The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, it plays a crucial role in global health governance, disease prevention, and emergency response. WHO’s importance has been further highlighted by health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreaks, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
For UPSC aspirants, understanding WHO’s structure, functions, and impact on India is crucial for Prelims, Mains (GS Paper 2 & 3), and the Interview.
A. Governing Bodies
World Health Assembly (WHA)
Supreme decision-making body of WHO.
Meets annually with representatives from 194 member states.
Sets health policies, approves budgets, and appoints the Director-General.
Executive Board (EB)
Composed of 34 technically qualified members.
Implements WHA decisions and advises on policy matters.
Director-General (DG)
Heads WHO for a 5-year term.
Current DG (2022-2027): Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Regional Offices
WHO operates through 6 regional offices:
AFRO (Africa) – Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
AMRO (Americas) – Washington, D.C., USA
EMRO (Eastern Mediterranean) – Cairo, Egypt
EURO (Europe) – Copenhagen, Denmark
SEARO (South-East Asia) – New Delhi, India
WPRO (Western Pacific) – Manila, Philippines
A. Global Health Governance
Develops international health policies and frameworks like International Health Regulations (IHR).
Works with governments to strengthen healthcare systems.
B. Disease Control and Eradication
Played a crucial role in eradicating smallpox (1980) and controlling polio, measles, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Current initiatives include Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and End TB Strategy.
C. Health Emergency Response
Coordinates responses to pandemics, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.
Key role in Ebola (2014-16, 2018-20) and COVID-19 (2020-23) management.
D. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Works with governments to strengthen primary healthcare services.
Supports Affordable Medicines and Vaccine Access programs.
E. Research and Data Collection
Publishes World Health Statistics, Global Health Reports, and Disease Surveillance Data.
Develops Essential Medicines List (EML) and guidelines for medical research.
F. Vaccination Programs
Collaborates with GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) for mass immunization programs.
Supports COVAX Facility to distribute COVID-19 vaccines globally.
A. India’s Role in WHO
Founding member of WHO (1948).
SEARO (South-East Asia Regional Office) headquartered in New Delhi.
India has played a leadership role in vaccine development, disease eradication, and global health policies.
B. WHO-supported Health Initiatives in India
Polio Eradication: India was declared polio-free in 2014 with WHO’s help.
Tuberculosis Control: Supports Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) under the End TB Strategy.
COVID-19 Response: Assisted India with COVAX vaccine supply, PPE kits, and testing strategies.
Universal Immunization Program (UIP): WHO helps India expand child vaccination programs.
National Health Mission (NHM): Collaborates on maternal and child health policies.
A. Pandemics and Emerging Diseases
WHO faces criticism for delayed response in some outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19 and Ebola).
Calls for WHO reforms to improve early warning systems and disease surveillance.
B. Vaccine Equity and Distribution
Criticism over inequitable vaccine distribution under COVAX, with richer nations receiving more doses.
Calls for WHO to strengthen health infrastructure in developing countries.
C. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
WHO works on reducing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity through lifestyle changes.
Promotes Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and anti-smoking policies.
D. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
WHO launched the Global Action Plan on AMR to combat drug-resistant bacteria.
Underfunding:
Geopolitical Influence:
Slow Bureaucracy:
Misinformation and Public Distrust:
A. Strengthening WHO’s Role
Enhancing pandemic preparedness and global surveillance.
Increasing funding for low-income countries.
B. WHO-led Health Digitalization
Expansion of telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and digital health records.
Strengthening One Health Approach to integrate human, animal, and environmental health.
C. Addressing Climate Change and Health
WHO advocates for air pollution reduction, sustainable healthcare, and climate resilience.
The WHO plays a critical role in global health, influencing policies on disease control, emergency response, and healthcare access. For UPSC aspirants, understanding WHO’s functions, challenges, and India’s involvement is essential for GS Papers, Essay, and Interview preparation. WHO’s future depends on financial independence, rapid response mechanisms, and equitable healthcare policies to tackle emerging health threats effectively.
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