World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO began when its Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date celebrated every year as World Health Day. It has more than 7000 people working in 150 country offices, in 6 regional offices and at its headquarters in Geneva.

WHO’s primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations’ system.

Main areas of work:

  • Health systems
  • Promoting health through the life-course
  • Noncommunicable diseases
  • Communicable diseases
  • Corporate services
  • Preparedness, surveillance and response.

WHO support countries as it coordinates the efforts of multiple sectors of the government and partners – including bi- and multilaterals, funds and foundations, civil society organizations and private sector – to attain its health objectives and support national health policies and strategies.

WHO Statement: Tobacco Use and COVID-19

News
Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for many respiratory difficulties. A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to...

Alcohol and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Leaflet, Infographic, Fact sheet, Poster
COVID-19 is a global health crisis that is increasing the workload of healthcare professionals around the world. In order to support practitioners during these critical circumstances, it is essential that everyone is informed about other...

How Can Telehealth Help in the Provision of Integrated Care?

Book
The World Health Organisation defines telehealth as: The use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver health care outside of traditional health-care facilities. Well-designed telehealth schemes can improve health care access...

World No Tobacco Day

Event Date
 - 
Global Campaign

In response to the tobacco and related industries’ systematic, aggressive and sustained tactics to attract a new generation of tobacco users, World No Tobacco Day 2020 will provide a counter-marketing campaign and empower young people to engage in the fight against Big Tobacco.

Noncommunicable Disease Progress Monitor

Book
Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of premature death globally. Every year, 41 million people die from heart attacks, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes or a mental disorder. Despite the concerning trends and...

Harm to Others from Drinking: Patterns in Nine Societies

Book
 - 
The adverse impact of alcohol consumption include the negative consequences of drinking on individuals other than the drinkers themselves, including both health and social problems. Alcohol’s harm to others (HTO) is an interactional...

Resource Tool on Alcohol Taxation and Pricing Policies

Website
 - 
Alcohol taxation and pricing policies have several public health, economic and social benefits as they have the capacity to: Generate tax revenue Reduce alcohol consumption and associated harms (covering both externalities and internalities...