Established in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable. WHO works globally to ensure all people attain the highest possible level of health.
WHO works with 194 Member States and operates in over 150 locations through six regional and numerous country offices. In Asia and the Pacific, WHO’s presence is coordinated through two regional offices:
- Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO): Based in Manila, Philippines, WPRO works with 37 countries and areas to strengthen health systems and address public health priorities.
- South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO): Based in New Delhi, India, SEARO works with 11 countries to advance regional health goals and respond to emerging health challenges.
WHO’s core functions include providing leadership on global health, setting norms and standards, shaping research, articulating policy options, offering technical support, and monitoring health trends.
Key Areas of Work:
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Ensuring access to essential health services without financial hardship.
- Health Emergencies Programme: Helping countries prepare for, prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies.
- Healthier Populations: Promoting well-being by addressing social, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health.
WHO partners with governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to achieve health for all.
