The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7 April 1948 as the directing and coordinating authority in global public health within the United Nations system. Working at three levels in the Organization (global, regional and country), more than 7000 WHO staff worldwide collaborate with the governments of 194 Member States and other partners to achieve the WHO founding vision of the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all people.

WHO in Indonesia

The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) located in New Delhi, India, covers 11 countries, including Indonesia. Independently, Indonesia opted to join the South East Asia Region classification when it joined WHO on 23 May 1950.

Within Indonesia, WHO collaborates in a wide scope of health development activities. The country is both the 4^th most populous country and the largest archipelago in the world. Its population of 270 million inhabits some of its 17,000 islands with rich geographical contour sitting on the most active volcanic ring.

Currently, the collaboration between the WHO Country Office to Indonesia (WHO Indonesia) with the Government of Indonesia, represented mainly by the Ministry of Health, are covering 5 categories:

• communicable and noncommunicable diseases;
• promoting health through the life-course;
• development of health system particularly on policies, and;
• preparedness, surveillance and response.

The specific focused areas are control of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, vaccine-preventable diseases, mental health, injuries prevention, nutrition and prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Other collaboration areas include developing the quality of mother and childcare, healthy ageing, food safety, human resources, medicines, health systems information, international health regulations, epidemic, pandemic disease and emergencies response.

On 1st January 2014, Indonesia launched a national health insurance programme called Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN). With an emphasis on Universal Health Coverage, WHO Indonesia is supporting the country to reach full population coverage by 2019.

Understanding how health requires a multisectoral approach, WHO also collaborates with other partners. WHO also works with other UN agencies through the United Nations Partnership for Development Framework (UNPDF).

WHO vision and mission

The founding vision of WHO is a world in which all people attain the highest possible standard of health and well-being. The WHO mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. WHO works with a commitment to human rights, universality and equity, based on the principles espoused in the WHO Constitution.

Core functions of WHO include: providing leadership on matters crucial to health and engaging in partnerships where joint action is needed; shaping the research agenda and stimulating the generation, translation and dissemination of valuable knowledge; setting norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation; articulating ethical and evidence- based policy options; providing technical support to catalyse changes; building sustainable institutional capacity; and monitoring the health situation and assessing health trends.

The mission of WHO in Indonesia is to support the Government to achieve universal health coverage with all people having access to high-quality health services, within the context of the country’s needs and challenges in transitioning to middle-income status.

In order to provide effective support, the WHO country office leverages the three levels of the Organization: to focus support where it can make a difference; to place the right people in the right places; to engage partners effectively; to enhance communications; and to improve operational intelligence.

Priorities of WHO

WHO’s general programme of work (GPW) sets medium-term priorities and strategies of the Organization. The World Health Assembly in May 2018 approved the 13th general programme of work, covering the period 2019–2023. It encompasses a set of three interconnected strategic priorities, strategic shifts and organizational shifts, as well as 10 outcomes to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The three strategic priorities are:

• Universal health coverage: 1 billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage
• Health emergencies: 1 billion more people better protected from health emergencies
• Healthier populations: 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being

WHO offer multiple opportunities for people passionate about improving the health for all around the world. From fixed-term international appointments in offices worldwide to generalists, internships and fellowships in regional and country offices, there are a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds looking to contribute to saving lives.