The World Health Organization
The UN agency for health, founded in 1948, that sets standards, fights epidemics and certifies vaccines.
What the paper can ask
- Founded in 1948; the World Health Assembly is its decision-making body; six regional offices.
- Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Smallpox eradication, declared in 1979 to 1980, is its best known success.
- The United States gave notice of withdrawal in January 2025 and formally left in 2026; it had funded about 18 percent of the budget. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- It can declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations (2005).
Why exams ask
Headquarters city, founding year, the day named after it and the Director-General are standard questions.
The full story
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the UN specialised agency for public health, founded in 1948; the anniversary of its founding is World Health Day. All member states meet yearly in the World Health Assembly, its decision-making body.
In the news
Test yourself
1.The headquarters of the World Health Organization is in which city?
Correct. WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Not quite. WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It goes into your error book.
2.World Health Day, marking the founding of the WHO, is observed on which date?
Correct. WHO's Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948. The UN calendar lists World Health Day on 7 April.
Not quite. WHO's Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948. The UN calendar lists World Health Day on 7 April. It goes into your error book.