World Health Organization (WHO) | Practical Law

World Health Organization (WHO) | Practical Law

World Health Organization (WHO)

World Health Organization (WHO)

Practical Law Glossary Item w-024-3648 (Approx. 3 pages)

Glossary

World Health Organization (WHO)

An organization that promotes public health globally. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that partners with member countries and other groups to:
  • Improve and expand access to health care.
  • Prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies and outbreaks.
  • Promote health and well-being.
The WHO also publishes resources and guidance related to numerous public health topics, including Ebola and hepatitis.
The WHO is leading an international response to COVID-19 (the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (2019 Novel Coronavirus)), which the WHO characterized as a pandemic in March 2020 (see Global Coronavirus Toolkit).
For more information on the WHO, see the organization's website.