Simone Lawson
The World Health Organization (WHO) is an international entity with over 7000 employees working across 150 country offices and six regional offices, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO's primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system. Its constitution, which came into force on 7 April 1948, is celebrated annually as World Health Day. This document outlines the fundamental right of every human being to the highest attainable standard of health, regardless of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. When citing the WHO Constitution, the standard format includes the abbreviation 'WHO Const.' followed by the paragraph number, for example, 'WHO Const., para. 7'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of entry into force | 7 April 1948 |
| Date of signing | 22 July 1946 |
| Signatories | Representatives of 61 States |
| Place of signing | New York |
| Publication | American Journal of Public Health |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Pages | 1315-1323 |
| Date | 1 November 1946 |
| Narrative citation | paragraph 7 of the World Health Organization Constitution |
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What You'll Learn
The World Health Organization's (WHO) history and purpose
The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948, following World War II and the creation of the United Nations. The establishment of the WHO was driven by the need to promote public health, protect the world from future pandemics, and serve at-risk populations.
The history of the WHO can be traced back to the early 1800s, with the establishment of effective global trade routes. However, the direct impetus for its creation came after World War II, when the devastation of the war highlighted the importance of global cooperation in ensuring health for all. In 1945, the UN Conference on International Organizations in San Francisco voted to establish a global health organization. This led to the first World Health Assembly in 1948, where the key priorities of the WHO were identified as malaria, tuberculosis, venereal diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, and sanitation.
The WHO has had a significant impact on global health over the years. One of its notable achievements was the eradication of smallpox, which was declared eradicated in 1979 due to the organization's vaccination campaign. The WHO has also made significant contributions to the detection and treatment of tuberculosis, saving 37 million lives. Additionally, they have developed initiatives to tackle tobacco use, which has resulted in 7.2 million lives saved, exceeding the number of deaths from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.
The WHO has continually adapted to changing global health needs. In 2003, they developed a plan to address non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. They have also remained committed to responding to health emergencies, eliminating communicable diseases, improving medication accessibility, training healthcare professionals, and prioritizing the health of everyone, as demonstrated by their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the WHO consists of 194 member states, regional, and local charters, working together to ensure that every human being has access to adequate healthcare. The organization's governance and financing structures are currently undergoing reforms to create a more sustainable and effective WHO for the future.
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Citing the WHO Constitution in APA style
The World Health Organization (WHO) is an international organization that works to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system. Its constitution, which outlines the fundamental principles and goals of the organization, came into force on April 7, 1948, and has been pivotal in shaping global health policies and strategies.
When citing the WHO Constitution in APA style, there are specific guidelines to follow. Here is a comprehensive guide with examples to ensure accurate and consistent citations:
Basic Structure and General Guidelines:
The basic structure for referencing the WHO Constitution in APA style is as follows:
- WHO Constitution (year).
- For example: WHO Constitution (1946).
The year corresponds to the date the Constitution came into force, which was April 7, 1948, but the citation only requires the year.
In-Text Citations:
When referring to specific paragraphs or sections of the WHO Constitution in your writing, use in-text citations to indicate the source. Here's how to structure them:
- (WHO Const., year, para. #).
- For example: (WHO Const., 1946, para. 7).
If you are citing a specific article within the Constitution, include the article number instead of the paragraph number:
- (WHO Const., year, Art. #).
- For example: (WHO Const., 1946, Art. 21).
You can also include a narrative citation in your text by mentioning the WHO Constitution in the sentence and adding the year in brackets:
"According to paragraph 7 of the World Health Organization Constitution (1946)..."
Reference List Entry:
In your reference list or bibliography, include the full citation for the WHO Constitution. Here is the structure:
- World Health Organization. (year). WHO Constitution. URL (if accessed online).
- For example: World Health Organization. (1946). WHO Constitution. https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution (accessed date).
Remember to update the URL with the specific link where you accessed the Constitution and include the date of access in brackets if required by your style guide.
Citing Specific Articles or Sections:
If you are focusing on a specific article or section of the WHO Constitution, you can structure your citation like this:
- World Health Organization. (year). Article # - Subject, WHO Constitution. URL (if accessed online).
- For example: World Health Organization. (1946). Article 21 - Right to Health, WHO Constitution. https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution (accessed date).
These guidelines ensure that your citations are clear and consistent when referring to the WHO Constitution in APA style. Remember to adapt the examples provided to fit the specific section or article you are citing and include URLs and access dates when necessary.
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WHO's role in international health coordination
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all. It has been in existence since 1948 and its work is rooted in the principles of equity, integrity, and inclusion outlined in its Constitution.
One of WHO's key functions is to provide leadership and coordination during pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of WHO as a source of information and knowledge dissemination, especially in countries with low trust in their governments. WHO collaborated with a wide range of international organizations during the pandemic, including the World Bank Group, various UN agencies, Gavi, the Global Fund, and the EU. The organization also initiated the "Solidarity Trial," an international clinical trial with 90 countries participating, to find effective treatments for COVID-19.
WHO has also played a crucial role in advancing international health regulations. In 1969, WHO adopted the International Health Regulations (IHR), initially focusing on cholera, plague, and yellow fever. In 2005, a revised version of the IHR was approved, allowing WHO to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and requiring Member States to strengthen their national emergency response capacities. The SARS outbreak in 2003 and the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak further emphasized the importance of coordinated response actions across countries.
Additionally, WHO supports capacity building and global health security (GHS) initiatives. It fosters "global partnerships" and recognizes the importance of collaboration with communities, between countries, within regions, and with development and aid organizations. WHO also emphasizes the need for resilient health systems and effective international public health surveillance and response, requiring both national and sub-national coordination.
In conclusion, WHO plays a pivotal role in international health coordination by leading global health efforts, providing critical information during health emergencies, advancing international health regulations, and fostering collaboration and capacity building to improve health outcomes worldwide.
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WHO's definition of health
The World Health Organization's (WHO) constitution defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This definition has been the subject of much discussion and interpretation, with some critics accusing it of being utopian and overreaching. However, the WHO's definition is important for historical and analytical reasons, as it provides a holistic account of health rather than a notion of perfect health.
The WHO's definition of health emphasizes that health is more than just the absence of disease or physical infirmity. It recognizes that mental health is an integral part of overall health and that there can be no health without mental health. Mental health is influenced by a range of socioeconomic, biological, and environmental factors, and it is important for individuals to be able to cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities.
The WHO's definition also highlights the role of governments and states in promoting and protecting the health of their citizens. This includes providing adequate health and social measures to ensure the highest attainable standard of health for all, regardless of race, religion, political belief, or economic condition. The constitution states that the health of all peoples is fundamental to achieving peace and security and requires the full cooperation of individuals and states alike.
Furthermore, the WHO's definition of health draws attention to the importance of equal development across countries in promoting health and controlling diseases, especially communicable ones. Unequal development in healthcare systems and disease control measures can pose a common danger to all nations. Therefore, the achievement of any state in improving and safeguarding health is valuable to the global community.
Overall, the WHO's definition of health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being" sets a standard for understanding and interpreting health that goes beyond the mere absence of disease. It emphasizes the holistic nature of health, encompassing mental and social aspects, and underscores the responsibilities of governments and the international community in ensuring the highest attainable standard of health for all.
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WHO's main areas of work
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Founded in 1948, WHO has six key programmatic divisions and works with 194 Member States across 6 regions, with over 7000 people working in 150 country offices.
Preparedness, Surveillance, and Response
WHO helps countries prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies, including epidemics, pandemics, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. They support on-the-ground care in fragile settings to protect the most vulnerable. WHO's emergency medical team initiative is a global programme that strengthens health systems by coordinating the deployment of quality-assured medical teams in emergencies.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
WHO promotes universal health coverage as a human right, striving to ensure that everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. They work with countries to improve access to health care and address social and environmental factors that influence human health and well-being.
Science and Innovation
WHO harnesses science and innovation to anticipate global health needs, validate public health guidance, and create real-world solutions. They address rising prices and shortages of essential medicines, and the issue of substandard or falsified medical products. Additionally, they work to prevent, reduce, and mitigate drug-resistant infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Health Promotion and Wellness
WHO mobilizes all sectors of society to promote wellness and address physical, psychosocial, and environmental health risks. They support countries in creating a world free from disease by addressing the root causes of health problems.
WHO's work is guided by its commitment to diversity, equity, integrity, and inclusion, with a focus on improving the health and well-being of people everywhere.
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Frequently asked questions
The correct APA citation for the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) is: WHO Const., para. # (replace # with the paragraph number). For example, a reference citation for paragraph 7 would be: WHO Const., para. 7.
To cite a specific paragraph in the WHO Constitution, use a parenthetical in-text citation followed by a narrative citation. For example: (WHO Const., para. 7) or paragraph 7 of the World Health Organization Constitution.
To reference the WHO Constitution in your reference list, use the following format:
World Health Organization. (Year) World Health Organization [WHO]. International Organizations. [Web Archive] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0011242/.
