Introduction to Health Agencies: Exploring Multilateral Organizations like WHO and Their Key Functions

Discover the role of international health agencies, including multilateral organizations like WHO. Learn about their core functions in improving global health policies and disease control, among other areas.

Spread of Diseases through Global Trade and Communication

• Health problems in one region can spread to another through global trade, communication, and travel.
• Historically, trade and business were primary reasons for travel, bringing diseases like plague and cholera to new areas.
• Diseases have no cultural or geographical boundaries, unlike religion, language, or culture.
• The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic caused global fear in recent decades.
• In the 14th century, Europe used “Quarantine” to prevent the spread of the plague. However, this method faced opposition due to the inconvenience to trade and travelers.

Early International Efforts for Health Promotion

1. First International Sanitary Conference (1851)

• Aimed to standardize quarantine measures across nations.
• Attended mainly by European countries.
• Despite multiple conferences until 1902, no consensus was reached.

2. Pan American Sanitary Bureau (PASB)

• Established in 1902 to coordinate quarantine in American states.
• The first international health agency.
• Released the “Pan American Sanitary Code” in 1924, still in effect.
• Renamed as Pan American Sanitary Organization (PASO) in 1947 and later became Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 1958.

3. Office International D’Hygiene Publique (OIHP)

• Founded in 1907, known as the “Paris Office,” to supervise quarantine measures in Europe.
• Expanded cooperation to PASB and included 60 countries, including British India.
• Existed until 1950 when WHO took over its responsibilities.

4. Health Organization of the League of Nations

• Established after World War I to prevent and control diseases globally.
• Focused on housing, nutrition, rural hygiene, and public health training.
• Dissolved in 1939, but continued health work in Geneva, publishing weekly epidemiological records.

5. United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA)

• Set up in 1943 to recover from the impacts of World War II.
• Joint efforts led to the “Malaria Eradication Campaign” in Sardinia.
• Terminated in 1946, with its responsibilities taken over by the WHO’s interim commission.

These early efforts paved the way for the formation of the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote global health.

International Health Agencies

Global health challenges are complex and widespread, requiring the collaboration of various international agencies and institutions to address them effectively. These agencies help shape global health policies, provide funding, implement programs, and evaluate their impact.

Types of International Health Agencies

1. Multilateral Agencies

• Funded by multiple governments and non-governmental sources.
• They work across various countries to support global health.
• Examples:
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • World Bank
  • United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

1. Bilateral Organizations

• Funded by a single country’s government or non-profit organizations.
• They provide funding and support to developing countries.
• Examples:
  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

1. Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Non-profit, voluntary organizations that work at local, national, or international levels.
• They are often task-oriented and focus on specific issues.
• Examples:
  • CARE International

World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7th April 1947. This followed a conference in San Francisco in 1945 to set up the United Nations. Every year, 7th April is celebrated as “WHO Day” with a specific health theme to raise awareness.

Main Objective

The primary goal of WHO is to achieve “the highest level of health for all people,” allowing them to lead socially and economically productive lives.

Key Objectives in WHO’s Preamble

1. Health Definition: Health is not just the absence of disease but a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being.
2. Health as a Right: Every individual has the fundamental right to the highest attainable standard of health, without discrimination.
3. Health, Peace, and Security: Good health is crucial for peace and security worldwide.
4. Global Responsibility: Every nation’s success in promoting and protecting health benefits all other nations.
5. Inequality in Health: Unequal health development across countries is a global danger.
6. Health Knowledge: Providing all people with medical, psychological, and related health knowledge is essential for the fullest health attainment.
7. Public Involvement: The informed opinion and active participation of the public are vital for improving health.
8. Government Responsibility: Governments are responsible for ensuring adequate health and social measures for their people.

Major Policies Influencing WHO

1. Alma-Ata Conference (1978): Focused on Primary Health Care as a key to achieving health for all.
2. Global Strategy for Health for All by 2000 AD: Aimed to improve global health standards by the year 2000.
3. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Set health targets to address global challenges.
4. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A comprehensive framework that continues to influence WHO’s activities for a healthier world.

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Structure of the World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is governed by three main organs:

1. World Health Assembly
2. Executive Board
3. Secretariat

1. World Health Assembly

• Role: Highest governing body, often called the “Health Parliament of Nations.”
• Meetings: Held annually in May, primarily at WHO headquarters in Geneva.
• Composition: Delegates from member states, each with one vote.

Functions:

• Set international health policies and programs.
• Review past work and approve the budget for the next year.
• Elect members to the Executive Board.
• Appoint the Director-General based on Executive Board nominations.
• Conduct technical discussions on global health issues.

2. Executive Board

• Composition: Initially 18 members, now 34, all from health-related fields.
• Meetings: Held twice a year.
• Membership: One-third of members are replaced annually.

Functions:

• Implement decisions of the World Health Assembly.
• Take action during emergencies, such as disasters.

3. Secretariat

• Leadership: Headed by the Director-General, the chief technical and administrative officer.
• Support: Provides technical and managerial assistance to member states.
• Divisions: There are 14 divisions, each focused on specific health areas.

Divisions:

1. Epidemiological Surveillance and Health Trend Assessment
2. Communicable Diseases
3. Vector Biology and Control
4. Environmental Health
5. Mental Health
6. Diagnostic and Rehabilitation
7. Strengthening Health Services
8. Family Health
9. Noncommunicable Diseases
10. Information Systems Support
11. Personnel and General Services
12. Budget and Finance

These divisions ensure WHO’s goals are achieved across different health sectors globally.

Functions of the World Health Organization (WHO)

1. Prevention and Control of Specific Diseases:

• Achieved global success with the eradication of smallpox.
• Actively working on the elimination/eradication of other diseases.
• Provides epidemiological information through the Automatic Telex Reply Service (ATRS) and the Weekly Epidemiological Record.
• Implements the WHO emergency scheme for epidemic control.
• Addresses both communicable diseases (e.g., smallpox, malaria) and noncommunicable diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases).

1. Quality Control of Drugs:

• Ensures the quality of medicines used worldwide.

1. Immunization:

• Promotes immunization against common childhood diseases through programs like the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

1. Development of Comprehensive Health Services:

• Supports health policy development and organizes health systems based on primary health care principles.
• Promotes the use of Appropriate Technology for Health (ATH) to encourage self-sufficiency in addressing health problems.

1. Family Health:

• Since 1970, WHO has focused on maternal and child health. It has also concentrated on human reproduction, nutrition, and health education to improve quality of life.

1. Biomedical Research:

• Stimulates and coordinates research activities through a global network of research centers.
• Provides grants to researchers and institutions for health-related research.

1. Health Statistics:

• Publishes data on morbidity and mortality to facilitate comparisons between countries.
• Releases key publications like:
  • Weekly Epidemiological Record
  • World Health Statistics Quarterly
  • World Health Statistics Annual
  • International Classification of Diseases (ICD), updated every 10 years.
• Assists countries in planning health information systems.

1. Environmental Health:

• Encourages nations to improve sanitation. Nations should also enhance the quality of environmental factors such as air quality, housing, ventilation, food safety, and workplace safety.
• Develops programs like the WHO Environmental Health Criteria Program and the WHO Environmental Health Monitoring Program.

1. Collaboration with Other Organizations:

• Works closely with the United Nations and other specialized international agencies.
• Maintains relationships with various international governmental organizations.

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WHO Regional Centers

WHO has established regional centers to address the unique health needs of different geographical areas. These centers are:

1. South-East Asia: New Delhi, India
2. Africa: Brazzaville, Congo
3. The Americas: Washington DC, USA
4. Europe: Copenhagen, Denmark
5. Eastern Mediterranean: Alexandria, Egypt
6. Western Pacific: Manila, Philippines

Regional Offices are headed by a Regional Director and supported by technical and administrative officers. A Regional Committee, composed of representatives from member countries, meets annually to review regional health programs and policies.

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