Back

Facts for Kids

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a special group of the United Nations focused on improving global public health since 1948.

Overview

Structure And Governance

Challenges And Criticisms

Future Directions And Goals

Key Objectives And Functions

Major Global Health Initiatives

Impact On Public Health Policies

Recent Achievements And Milestones

Emergency Response And Preparedness

Collaborations With Other Organizations

History Of The World Health Organization

main image

Inside this Article

World Health Day

Climate Change

Public Health

Organization

Information

Medicine

Did you know?

๐ŸŒ The World Health Organization (WHO) was created in 1948 to help people stay healthy around the world.

๐Ÿ”๏ธ WHO is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is part of the United Nations (UN), which includes many countries.

๐Ÿค’ WHO works to stop diseases and ensures everyone has access to good healthcare.

๐ŸŽ‰ April 7 is celebrated as World Health Day, marking the formation of WHO.

๐Ÿฉบ The first director-general of WHO was Brock Chisholm, a Canadian doctor.

๐Ÿ“‰ In 1955, WHO launched the first worldwide vaccination campaign to combat smallpox.

๐ŸŒŸ WHO's main goal is to create a healthier planet for everyone, especially children.

๐ŸŒ There are around 194 member countries in WHO, each represented at meetings to discuss health issues.

๐Ÿ’‰ WHO played a vital role in the global response to COVID-19, helping distribute vaccines worldwide.

๐ŸŽ‰ Recently, WHO celebrated the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa, a huge win for public health!

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a special group that helps people stay healthy worldwide! ๐ŸŒ

It was created in 1948 and is part of the United Nations (UN), which is a big team of countries working together. WHO is based in Geneva, Switzerland. ๐Ÿ”

๏ธ The organization works to stop diseases, make vaccines, and ensure everyone has access to good healthcare. They take care of big health problems like COVID-19! ๐Ÿค’

The goal of WHO is to keep all people safe and happy, no matter where they live.
Read Less

Structure And Governance

WHO has many member countries, around 194! ๐ŸŒ

Each country sends representatives to meetings to discuss health issues. WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly (WHA), which meets every year in Geneva. This assembly decides what WHO should focus on. The Director-General, currently Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, leads the organization and makes important decisions. ๐Ÿง‘

โ€โš•๏ธ The organization also has six regional offices across the globe, helping local governments tackle health challenges effectively! ๐ŸŒ

Read Less

Challenges And Criticisms

While WHO does great work, they face challenges too! ๐Ÿ˜Ÿ

Some countries donโ€™t follow their guidelines, causing health issues to persist. Miscommunication during crises, like the early days of COVID-19, led to confusion. ๐ŸŒช

๏ธ Also, they sometimes face funding problems, getting money from rich countries to support their programs. Lastly, some people have criticized WHO's responses as slow. Despite these challenges, WHO continues to strive to improve global health! ๐Ÿ’ช

Read Less

Future Directions And Goals

Looking ahead, WHO has exciting goals! ๐ŸŒˆ

They want to finish the fight against COVID-19 and other deadly diseases! Their new plan includes focusing on mental health, climate change, and global health security. ๐ŸŒ

They aim to ensure everyone has access to vaccination and good healthcare. WHO also plans to tackle health problems created by fast food and screen time. ๐Ÿ’ป

With these ambitious goals, WHO strives to create a healthier world for everyone, including kids like you! ๐ŸŒŸ

Read Less

Key Objectives And Functions

WHO has important goals to make the world healthier! ๐ŸŒŸ

First, they help countries improve their healthcare systems. ๐Ÿ“Š

Second, they fight diseases by creating vaccines and medicines. Third, WHO works to ensure everyone has safe drinking water and good nutrition. ๐Ÿฅ—

Lastly, they share health information with countries, informing them about health problems and solutions. By doing all this, WHO aims to create a healthier planet for everyone, especially children! ๐Ÿ’ช

Read Less

Major Global Health Initiatives

WHO focuses on many important health initiatives! One major program is the Global Program on AIDS, helping people affected by HIV and AIDS. ๐ŸŒˆ

They also run the Stop TB Partnership, which aims to eliminate tuberculosis. ๐Ÿฆ 

Another initiative helps fight malaria through bed nets and medicine. WHO promotes healthy lifestyles with the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health. ๐Ÿƒ

โ€โ™‚๏ธ These programs show how WHO helps improve health across the world!
Read Less

Impact On Public Health Policies

WHO influences health policies around the world! ๐Ÿ›

๏ธ They provide guidelines for countries to follow, helping them create laws to protect public health. For example, WHOโ€™s advice on smoking reduction has helped many countries pass anti-smoking laws. ๐Ÿšญ

They also promote clean air, safe water, and healthy eating. By sharing research and data, WHO helps governments make better decisions to protect everyoneโ€™s health, making countries safer and healthier places to live! ๐ŸŒฑ

Read Less

Recent Achievements And Milestones

In recent years, WHO has accomplished many great things! ๐ŸŒŸ

They played a key role in the global response to COVID-19, helping distribute vaccines worldwide. ๐Ÿ’‰

In 2021, WHO launched the COVAX initiative, helping poorer countries receive vaccines. They also celebrated the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa, an incredible achievement for childrenโ€™s health! ๐ŸŽ‰

From helping stop epidemics to promoting health education, WHOโ€™s continued efforts make a lasting impact on public health everywhere!
Read Less

Emergency Response And Preparedness

When diseases spread, WHO jumps into action! ๐Ÿšจ

They have teams ready to respond to health emergencies. In 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak, WHO led efforts to provide information and help countries control the virus. They created the COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, ensuring vaccines reached people who needed them. ๐Ÿ’‰

Also, WHO prepares countries for future health emergencies by creating plans, training workers, and sharing best practices. This way, everyone stays ready for anything!
Read Less

Collaborations With Other Organizations

WHO works together with many other groups to improve health! ๐Ÿค

They team up with UNICEF to help children get vaccinations and nutrition. WHO also collaborates with the World Bank to strengthen healthcare systems and funding. Additionally, they partner with non-profit organizations like Mรฉdecins Sans Frontiรจres (Doctors Without Borders) for medical help in emergencies. By combining efforts, these organizations can make a bigger difference and improve global health!
Read Less

History Of The World Health Organization

The WHO was formed on April 7, 1948. This day is celebrated as World Health Day! ๐ŸŽ‰

After World War II, many countries wanted to work together to improve health. The first director-general was Brock Chisholm, a Canadian doctor. ๐Ÿฉบ

In 1955, the WHO made the first worldwide vaccination campaign, which helped reduce diseases like smallpox! ๐Ÿ“‰

Since then, WHO has played a crucial role in responding to health emergencies and improving healthcare for everyone around the globe!
Read Less

World Health Organization Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a โ€œChallengeโ€ on DIY?
What is a โ€œCourseโ€ on DIY?
What are โ€œSkillsโ€ on DIY?
What if I'm new to all thisโ€”where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraftโ„ข, Mojang, Microsoft, Robloxโ„ข or YouTube. LEGOยฎ is a trademark of the LEGOยฎ Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.