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World Health Organization

Specialized UN agency for global public health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948 to address international public health issues. It sets health standards, provides technical assistance, and conducts research. WHO's achievements include eradicating smallpox and near-eradicating polio. It focuses on various health issues, advocates for universal health care, and is governed by the World Health Assembly.

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Timeline

1851-06-23
International Sanitary Conferences Begin
The International Sanitary Conferences (ISC) commenced on June 23, 1851, focusing on addressing epidemic diseases like cholera. These conferences spanned over 87 years and played a crucial role in laying the foundation for international agreements on sanitary measures to combat diseases.
1947-07
Publication of the first issue of the Bulletin of the World Health Organization
The first issue of the Bulletin of the World Health Organization was published in July 1947, a few months before the establishment of WHO. The Bulletin has evolved over time, reflecting the changes and developments within the organization.
1947-09
Cholera Epidemic in Egypt
The cholera epidemic in Egypt began in September 1947. It was reported in the second issue of the Bulletin's first volume by Dr. Aly Tewfik Shousha Pasha, the first chairman of the WHO Executive Board.
1948-04-07
Establishment of WHO
On April 7, 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) was officially formed as a global health organization to address public health issues and promote well-being worldwide.
1948-06-24
Opening of the First Health Assembly in Geneva
On June 24, 1948, the first Health Assembly opened in Geneva with delegations from 53 Member States. This marked a significant step in the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO).
1948-08-31
Establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO)
On August 31, 1948, the Interim Commission ceased to exist and was immediately succeeded by the World Health Organization (WHO). This transition marked the official establishment of WHO as a global health authority.
1949
Establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC)
In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) established the People's Republic of China (PRC), leading to the expulsion of the Republic of China (ROC) from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN organs.
1950
Discovery of antibiotics accelerates
In 1950, the discovery of antibiotics accelerated, leading to significant advancements in the field of medicine. This discovery revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections and played a crucial role in improving global health outcomes.
1958-04-07
Establishment of the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization was established in 1958 to address global health issues and promote well-being worldwide. It has been actively working towards improving healthcare systems and preventing diseases.
1967
Intensified Smallpox Eradication Programme Announced by WHO
In 1967, the World Health Organization announces the Intensified Smallpox Eradication Programme, aiming to eradicate smallpox in more than 30 countries through surveillance and vaccination. The program defines eradication as the permanent reduction to zero of a specific pathogen.
1969
Development of attenuated live-virus vaccine for polio
Albert Sabin develops the attenuated live-virus vaccine for polio, which is administered orally. This breakthrough allows for mass global vaccination campaigns, leading to the near-eradication of polio.
1972
Creation of Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction
In 1972, the Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) is established at WHO. This program is the only entity within the UN system mandated to conduct research on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
1978
Adoption of Declaration of Alma-Ata
In 1978, WHO adopts the Declaration of Alma-Ata during the International Conference on Primary Health Care, aiming for 'Health for All' by emphasizing primary healthcare services.
1980-05-08
Eradication of Smallpox
On May 8, 1980, the WHO made a historic declaration of the eradication of smallpox, marking one of its greatest achievements. This milestone demonstrated the effectiveness of global vaccination campaigns and disease control efforts.
1981
International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes
In 1981, WHO Member States endorsed the International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes to address industry practices that were discouraging mothers from breastfeeding.
1983
Discovery of HIV
In 1983, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, was discovered. This discovery paved the way for further research and understanding of the disease.
1988
Launch of Global Polio Eradication Initiative
In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to combat and eliminate polio worldwide. This marked a significant effort in global health to eradicate a debilitating disease.
1994
International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo
At the ICPD held in Cairo, countries agreed to a comprehensive definition of reproductive health and recognition of reproductive rights. The 20-year Programme of Action focused on individuals' needs and rights, including reproductive rights, rather than demographic targets.
1995
Ebola Virus Outbreak in the Congo
In 1995, an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Congo lasted for three months without the knowledge of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the lack of global public health surveillance and notification systems.
1997
Launch of Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN)
In 1997, WHO, in collaboration with Canada, introduced the Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN) to serve as an early warning system for potential epidemics by utilizing information from the Internet, including mentions in blogs and online postings.
1998
Launch of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy by WHO and UNICEF
The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy was introduced by WHO and UNICEF to improve the health of children under five in countries with high child mortality rates. Over the years, it has contributed to a significant reduction in child mortality globally.
2000
Establishment of Global Outbreak Alert Response Network (GOARN)
In 2000, WHO supplemented GPHIN with the Global Outbreak Alert Response Network (GOARN) to analyze events once detected, connecting 120 networks and institutes to swiftly respond to crises with data, laboratories, skills, and experience.
2003
Adoption of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
WHO adopted the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to combat the tobacco epidemic by providing a framework for tobacco control measures at the national, regional, and international levels.
2004
Establishment of Global Health Histories project within WHO headquarters
The Global Health Histories project was established within the WHO headquarters in late 2004.
2005-02-27
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Comes into Force
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) came into force on February 27, 2005, with 182 Parties committed to its implementation, making it one of the most widely adopted treaties in the history of the United Nations.
2006
International Health Regulations revised
The International Health Regulations were updated in 2006 to provide countries with clear guidelines for reporting disease outbreaks and public health emergencies to the World Health Organization (WHO), and to activate response systems to manage and contain threats.
2007
Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) Impact
As of 2007, it was estimated that Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) alone had prevented 54 million diarrhoeal deaths, contributing significantly to the reduction of diarrhoea-related mortality. ORT also helped in reducing the nutritional impact of diarrhoea.
2008
Heart disease and stroke emerge as the world's number one killers
In 2008, heart disease and stroke were identified as the leading causes of death globally, signifying a shift from infectious diseases to noncommunicable diseases, as highlighted in the World Health Statistics report.
2010
Introduction of First rapid molecular test for detection of TB
In 2010, the first rapid molecular test for the detection of tuberculosis was introduced, marking a significant advancement in the diagnosis of this infectious disease.
2012
WHO's Role in Public Health
As of 2012, the WHO defined its role in public health to include providing leadership, shaping the research agenda, setting norms and standards, and monitoring health trends. It also engages in partnerships and provides technical support for sustainable institutional capacity.
2015
Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis in Cuba
Cuba becomes the first country to be validated by the World Health Organization for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
2016
WHO launches the WHO Health Emergencies Program
In 2016, the World Health Organization launched the WHO Health Emergencies Program, a dedicated initiative to respond to health emergencies and strengthen global health security.
2020-01-01
Creation of Incident Management Support Team for COVID-19
On 1 January 2020, the WHO created an Incident Management Support Team in response to the COVID-19 pandemic after being notified by Chinese health authorities about cases of pneumonia of unknown cause.
2020-01-14
WHO Announcement on COVID-19 Transmission
On 14 January 2020, the WHO announced preliminary findings on the transmission of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and warned of limited human-to-human transmission, later confirming human-to-human transmission.
2020-01-30
WHO Declaration of Public Health Emergency for COVID-19
On 30 January 2020, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for COVID-19, signaling a call to action for the international community.
2021-01
Membership of the World Health Organization
As of January 2021, the World Health Organization has 194 member states, excluding Liechtenstein, with two associate members. Countries become full members by ratifying the WHO Constitution.
2022
Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) launched
In 2022, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched at the World Health Assembly to combat the high incidence of polio, leading to a significant reduction in cases and preventing millions of childhood deaths.
2023-04-03
Intergovernmental Negotiating Body Concludes Fifth Meeting on Pandemic Accord
The intergovernmental negotiating body concluded its fifth meeting on April 3, 2023, and earlier issued a 'zero draft.' Negotiations have faced challenges over sovereignty, but key norms include equitable sharing of pandemic resources, health system strengthening, coordination and cooperation, and sustainable financing.
2023-04-07
World Health Day 2023
World Health Day 2023 is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7th. It aims to draw attention to important health issues and promote healthier living habits.
2023-04-27
The World Health Organization 75th Anniversary
The World Health Organization celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023.
2024
Vision for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
In 2024, WHO sets a vision to ensure that no child or adult suffers or dies from a vaccine-preventable disease.
End of the Timeline
World Health Organization

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