WHO and the WHA – an explainer

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization (WHO) leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life.

Since 1948 we have been the United Nations’ specialized health agency connecting nations, partners and communities working to promote the highest attainable standard of health for all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, political belief, economic or social condition.

Today, we work with 194 countries and on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world's response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care.

WHO’s mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.

We are currently working to achieve our “triple billion targets. The targets are that, by 2025 (from a starting point of 2019), one billion more people will be benefitting from universal health coverage, one billion more people will be better protected from health emergencies, and one billion more people will be enjoying better health and well-being.

The World Health Assembly is the main decision-making body of WHO and is comprised of 194 Member States. Every year, generally in May, delegates from all Member States come together to agree on the Organization’s priorities and policies

At the Health Assembly, country delegates make decisions on health goals and strategies that will guide their own public health work and the work of the WHO Secretariat to move the world towards better health and well-being for all. The Health Assembly also serves as a forum for reporting back on the implementation of the areas of work set, in order to determine what has been achieved and decide on strategies for addressing the gaps.