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The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable. However, there is often confusion about the relationship between WHO and the UN. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the relationship between the two organizations, with a focus on financial support and collaboration.
WHO is a part of the UN, but it operates independently with its own constitution, governance, and funding mechanisms. WHO is the only international organization that deals with health matters and has a presence in almost every country in the world. The UN, on the other hand, is an international organization that is made up of 193 member states.
While WHO is not financially dependent on the UN, it does receive funding from various sources, including member states, private donors, and partnerships with other organizations. WHO also collaborates with the UN and other international organizations on a range of health-related initiatives, such as global health security, non-communicable diseases, and health equity.
Overall, the relationship between WHO and the UN is complex, but it is essential for ensuring that global health needs are met. Understanding this relationship is crucial for anyone interested in health policy, international relations, or global health governance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN)
Established in 1948, the WHO is a specialized agency of the UN
The World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). The WHO is an international organization that is dedicated to promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has 194 member states as of 2021. The WHO is one of the oldest and largest specialized agencies of the UN, and its primary role is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
The WHO is governed by a 34-member Executive Board, which is elected by the World Health Assembly, the organization’s highest decision-making body. The World Health Assembly is made up of representatives from all 194 member states and meets annually to set the organization’s budget, policies, and priorities. The WHO’s work is guided by its Constitution, which establishes the organization’s principles and objectives.
The WHO’s role in global health is to provide leadership on global health matters, shape the global health agenda, and set norms and standards for health. The organization is also responsible for providing technical support to countries, promoting health, and keeping the world safe. The WHO works with governments, partners, and communities to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. The organization also works to reduce poverty, reduce inequalities, and build sustainable economies.
The UN’s role in promoting international cooperation and maintaining world peace is to promote peace, security, and human rights. The UN works to promote sustainable development, reduce poverty, and support economic growth. The organization also works to promote human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion. The UN’s work is guided by its Charter, which establishes the organization’s principles and objectives. The UN’s activities are carried out by its various specialized agencies, including the WHO.
WHO’s relationship with the UN: a brief history
WHO’s early years and its relationship with the UN
The World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the primary goal of promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable. From its inception, WHO was closely tied to the UN, with the latter providing significant support for the former’s activities. In the early years, WHO relied heavily on the UN for financial support, technical assistance, and global coordination. The organization’s initial focus was on addressing the health challenges that had arisen during and after World War II, such as the spread of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and the need for improved public health infrastructure.
WHO’s growing independence and increasing collaboration with the UN
Over time, WHO has gradually become more independent from the UN, with its own distinct identity and mandate. This growing independence has allowed WHO to take on a broader range of responsibilities and play a more significant role in shaping global health policies and programs. Despite this increased autonomy, WHO continues to collaborate closely with the UN and its member states, sharing resources, expertise, and information to achieve shared health goals. The partnership between WHO and the UN remains critical to ensuring that the world’s health needs are met and that global health priorities are addressed effectively.
Financial Support for the WHO
The WHO’s budget and funding sources
The World Health Organization (WHO) operates under a budget that is primarily funded by member states, as well as other international and non-governmental organizations. The WHO’s budget is comprised of several different components, including its regular budget, program budget, voluntary contributions, and assessed contributions.
Regular budget
The WHO’s regular budget is primarily funded by member states and provides the necessary funding for the organization’s core functions, such as technical support, health policy development, and global health governance. The regular budget is funded through assessed contributions, which are determined based on a member state’s ability to pay and its level of economic development.
Program budget
The WHO’s program budget is funded through voluntary contributions and provides funding for specific programs and initiatives. This includes funding for disease-specific programs, such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, as well as broader health initiatives, such as maternal and child health.
Voluntary contributions
Voluntary contributions are an important source of funding for the WHO and provide support for the organization’s programs and initiatives. These contributions are made by member states, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations and can be earmarked for specific programs or used to support the organization’s general operations.
Assessed contributions
Assessed contributions are the primary source of funding for the WHO’s regular budget and are determined based on a member state’s ability to pay and its level of economic development. Assessed contributions are mandatory and are used to fund the organization’s core functions, such as technical support, health policy development, and global health governance.
Overall, the WHO’s budget and funding sources are comprised of a mix of mandatory and voluntary contributions, providing the necessary funding for the organization’s core functions and specific programs and initiatives. The WHO’s funding structure is designed to ensure that the organization is able to respond effectively to the health needs of member states and the global community.
The UN’s financial support for the WHO
UN’s assessed contributions
The United Nations (UN) provides financial support to the World Health Organization (WHO) through its assessed contributions. Assessed contributions are the regular, mandatory financial contributions that UN member states are required to make to the organization’s budget. These contributions are calculated based on a member state’s ability to pay, as determined by its gross national income (GNI) and other factors.
Assessed contributions are an important source of funding for the WHO, as they provide a stable and predictable source of income that helps the organization to carry out its core functions and responsibilities. These funds are used to support a wide range of activities, including the development and implementation of global health policies and programs, the provision of technical assistance and support to countries, and the financing of research and development efforts aimed at improving global health outcomes.
UN’s peacekeeping budget and its impact on the WHO’s funding
In addition to assessed contributions, the UN’s peacekeeping budget can also have an impact on the WHO’s funding. The UN’s peacekeeping operations are funded through a separate budget, which is separate from the regular budget that funds the WHO and other UN agencies. However, the peacekeeping budget can still have an impact on the WHO’s funding, as it can affect the overall level of resources available to the organization.
If the UN’s peacekeeping budget is large, it can reduce the amount of funds available for other UN activities, including those that support the work of the WHO. This can create challenges for the organization, as it may need to find alternative sources of funding to support its activities. On the other hand, if the peacekeeping budget is smaller, it can free up more resources for other UN activities, including those that support the work of the WHO. This can provide greater flexibility and resources for the organization, allowing it to carry out its core functions and responsibilities more effectively.
Collaboration Between WHO and UN
Joint initiatives and programs
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) have a long history of collaboration on various global health initiatives. Some of the most notable joint initiatives and programs between WHO and the UN include:
Polio eradication
One of the most successful joint initiatives between WHO and the UN is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Launched in 1988, the GPEI is a public-private partnership aimed at eradicating polio worldwide. The initiative is led by WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Rotary International, with support from various governments and other partners.
Through the GPEI, WHO and the UN have worked together to develop and implement strategies for polio vaccination, surveillance, and monitoring. The initiative has been instrumental in reducing the number of polio cases globally, from an estimated 350,000 cases in 1988 to just 12 cases in 2021.
Ebola outbreak response
Another significant joint initiative between WHO and the UN is the response to the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa. The 2014-2016 outbreak, which affected Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, was the largest Ebola outbreak to date, resulting in over 11,000 deaths.
In response to the outbreak, WHO and the UN worked together to coordinate the international response, including the deployment of health workers, the provision of medical supplies and equipment, and the implementation of public health measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Global vaccine initiative
WHO and the UN have also collaborated on the development of the Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), which was established in 2000. GAVI is a public-private partnership aimed at increasing access to immunization in developing countries.
The initiative has been instrumental in increasing vaccine coverage worldwide, particularly in low-income countries. Through GAVI, WHO and the UN work together to provide financial and technical support to countries to strengthen their immunization programs, including the introduction of new vaccines and the implementation of innovative delivery strategies.
Overall, the collaboration between WHO and the UN on joint initiatives and programs has been critical in addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, including polio and Ebola outbreaks, and increasing access to immunization in developing countries.
WHO’s role in UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
As one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in the implementation of this goal by providing technical support, guidance, and resources to countries in their efforts to achieve it. WHO works closely with governments, civil society organizations, and other partners to promote health, well-being, and disease prevention, as well as to address the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health.
Other SDGs that overlap with WHO’s mandate
In addition to SDG 3, several other SDGs overlap with WHO’s mandate and areas of expertise. These include:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger: WHO works to improve nutrition and food security, and to address the health impacts of malnutrition and hunger.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: WHO promotes access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and works to prevent water-borne diseases.
- SDG 13: Climate Action: WHO addresses the health impacts of climate change, and works to promote climate-resilient health systems.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: WHO supports the strengthening of health systems and the development of robust governance structures for health.
Overall, WHO’s role in the SDGs is critical to ensuring that health considerations are integrated into all aspects of sustainable development, and that health systems are resilient and equipped to respond to the health needs of populations.
UN’s role in WHO’s strategic plans and priorities
Shared priorities and objectives
The United Nations (UN) plays a crucial role in shaping WHO’s strategic plans and priorities. The two organizations collaborate closely to develop and implement global health policies and programs that address shared priorities and objectives. These priorities and objectives include promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable.
One of the main shared priorities between WHO and the UN is the goal of achieving universal health coverage. This means ensuring that all people have access to the health services they need, including prevention, treatment, and care. To achieve this goal, WHO and the UN work together to develop policies and programs that promote equitable access to health services, reduce health inequalities, and strengthen health systems.
Support for WHO’s crisis management and emergency response
In addition to shared priorities, the UN also provides critical support to WHO’s crisis management and emergency response efforts. When health crises arise, such as pandemics, natural disasters, or conflicts, the UN can mobilize resources and provide technical assistance to help WHO respond effectively. This support can include funding, logistical support, and expertise in areas such as public health, emergency management, and humanitarian assistance.
The collaboration between WHO and the UN is essential for promoting global health and well-being. By working together, these organizations can leverage their resources, expertise, and networks to address shared health challenges and improve health outcomes for people around the world.
The WHO and the UN: partners in global health and international cooperation
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) have a long-standing partnership in global health and international cooperation. This collaboration has been crucial in achieving global health goals and improving the well-being of people around the world.
The importance of financial support and collaboration for achieving global health goals
The partnership between the WHO and the UN has been vital in ensuring that global health goals are met. The WHO provides technical and financial support to countries to help them improve their health systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals established by the UN General Assembly in 2015, with the aim of ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring that all people everywhere can live in peace and prosperity.
One of the key areas of collaboration between the WHO and the UN is in the fight against infectious diseases. The WHO works closely with the UN to develop and implement strategies to prevent and control the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The UN also provides financial support to the WHO for these efforts, helping to ensure that resources are available where they are needed most.
The future of the partnership between the WHO and the UN
The partnership between the WHO and the UN is likely to continue to be important in the future, as global health challenges remain significant. Climate change, for example, is expected to have a significant impact on health in the coming years, and the WHO and the UN will need to work together to address this challenge.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of global collaboration in responding to health crises. The WHO and the UN have worked closely together to provide technical and financial support to countries in their efforts to control the spread of the virus and provide care to those affected.
Overall, the partnership between the WHO and the UN is essential for achieving global health goals and improving the well-being of people around the world. The two organizations will need to continue to work closely together in the future to address the ongoing challenges facing the world today.
FAQs
1. Is WHO part of the UN?
Yes, the World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1948 as a part of the UN system and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is the directing and coordinating authority on international health matters and is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards for health, and articulating evidence-based policy options.
2. What is the relationship between WHO and the UN?
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) and is part of the UN system. The WHO is dedicated to building a better, healthier future for people all over the world. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and works closely with other UN agencies, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Food Programme (WFP), to achieve its goals.
3. How does the UN support the WHO financially?
The United Nations (UN) provides financial support to the World Health Organization (WHO) through assessed and voluntary contributions from its member states. The assessed contributions are based on the capacity of each member state to pay, and are used to finance the regular budget of the WHO. Voluntary contributions are made by member states on a voluntary basis and are used to finance specific programmes and initiatives. In addition, the UN also provides technical and logistical support to the WHO in the form of personnel, expertise, and resources.
4. How does the WHO collaborate with the UN?
The World Health Organization (WHO) collaborates with the United Nations (UN) on a wide range of health-related initiatives and programmes. The WHO works closely with other UN agencies, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Food Programme (WFP), to address the health needs of vulnerable populations, including women, children, and refugees. The WHO also collaborates with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations to promote health in post-conflict settings and to strengthen the health components of peacekeeping operations.