Introduction to World Health Organization

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Questions and Answers

When did the World Health Organization's Constitution come into force?

7 April 1945

7 April 1948 (correct)

7 April 1942

7 April 1950

What is the main objective of the World Health Organization as stated in its Constitution?

To promote health research and development

To provide healthcare services to all people globally

To ensure the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health (correct)

To coordinate international responses to health emergencies

What is the role of the World Health Assembly?

To coordinate international responses to health emergencies

To set policy for the Organization and approve its budget (correct)

To elect the Director-General of WHO

To provide technical support to member countries

How many member countries does the World Health Organization have?

193 countries and two associate members Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of WHO experts?

To produce health guidelines and standards, and help countries address public health issues Signup and view all the answers

Where is the headquarters of the World Health Organization located?

Geneva, Switzerland Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the six regional committees of WHO?

To focus on health matters of a regional nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 34-member Executive Board of WHO?

To support the work of the World Health Assembly Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of childhood deaths averted due to the efforts to eradicate polio?

1.5 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control?

To reduce tobacco-related deaths and disease worldwide Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage increase in global deaths from chronic disease over the next ten years?

7% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the International Health Regulations (IHR)?

To establish rules for disease outbreak identification and control Signup and view all the answers

How many children are estimated to be walking today who would have been paralyzed by polio without immunization efforts?

Five million Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of volunteers and health workers mobilized to immunize children against polio?

Twenty million Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health?

To promote healthier diets and physical activity Signup and view all the answers

How many deaths occur worldwide each year due to chronic disease?

Thirty-five million Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of WHO's campaign between 1967 and 1979?

To eradicate smallpox Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the International Classification of Disease (ICD) is accurate?

The ICD has its origins dating back to the 1850s. Signup and view all the answers

What significant resolution did the World Health Assembly adopt in 1974?

To create the Expanded Programme on Immunization Signup and view all the answers

What milestone related to polio was achieved by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative since its inception?

Reduction of polio cases by more than 99% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes WHO's workforce?

Approximately 8,000 professionals in various roles Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key concepts introduced by the World Health Assembly in 1975 related to medication?

Essential Medicines List Signup and view all the answers

In what context did Christiaan Barnard's surgery in 1967 have a lasting significance?

It was the first human heart transplant. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major characteristic of WHO's partnerships in achieving health goals?

Diverse collaboration with multiple partners Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

World Health Organization

Founded on 7 April 1948, now celebrated as World Health Day
Specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health
Part of the U.N. Sustainable Development Group
Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, with six semi-regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide

WHO's Objective

Ensure "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health"

WHO's Structure

193 countries and two associate members are WHO's membership
Meet annually at the World Health Assembly in Geneva to set policy, approve budget, and appoint Director-General
Supported by the 34-member Executive Board, elected by the Health Assembly
Six regional committees focus on health matters of a regional nature

WHO's Partners

Work with UN agencies, donors, non-governmental organizations, WHO collaborating centres, and the private sector
Over 8,000 public health experts from around the world work for WHO

International Classification of Disease

WHO took over the responsibility for the International Classification of Disease (ICD) in the 1850s
ICD is used to classify diseases and other health problems, and has become the international standard

Major Achievements

Eradication of smallpox in 1979, the first and only time a major infectious disease has been eradicated
Global Polio Eradication Initiative established in 1988, reducing polio cases by over 99% and immunizing over two billion children
Adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003, aiming to reduce tobacco-related deaths and disease
Adoption of the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health in 2004, encouraging people to be more physically active and eat healthier diets

International Health Regulations

Negotiated by WHO's Member States, establishing rules to identify disease outbreaks and stop them from spreading

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Description

Learn about the history and formation of the World Health Organization, established in 1948, and its significance in global health.