World Health Organization (WHO)

Introduction

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.

Historical Background

  • Pre-WHO Era: Before WHO, global health was managed by International Sanitary Conferences (1851-1938) and the League of Nations Health Organization (1920-1946).
  • Formation: On 7 April 1948, WHO was founded as the specialized health agency of the UN. This day is celebrated as World Health Day every year.
  • First HQ: Geneva, Switzerland (still the headquarters).

Structure and Governance

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

Functions and Role of WHO

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.

WHO and India

  • 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

    1. Polio Eradication: India was declared polio-free in 2014 with WHO’s help.

    2. Tuberculosis Control: Supports Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) under the End TB Strategy.

    3. COVID-19 Response: Assisted India with COVAX vaccine supply, PPE kits, and testing strategies.

    4. Universal Immunization Program (UIP): WHO helps India expand child vaccination programs.

    5. National Health Mission (NHM): Collaborates on maternal and child health policies.

WHO and Global Health Challenges

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.

Challenges Faced by WHO

  1. Underfunding:

    • WHO relies on voluntary contributions (80%) from countries and private donors, leading to financial instability.
  2. Geopolitical Influence:

    • Criticized for being influenced by major nations like China and the USA.
    • The US withdrew funding under President Trump (2020), later restored by President Biden.
  3. Slow Bureaucracy:

    • Calls for faster decision-making in global health crises.
  4. Misinformation and Public Distrust:

    • Social media and political interference have led to vaccine hesitancy and distrust in WHO’s recommendations.

WHO Reforms and Future Outlook

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.

Conclusion

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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