Specialized agency · Est. 1948

The highest attainable standard of health, for everyone.

The World Health Organization directs and coordinates international health within the United Nations system — setting norms, shaping the health research agenda, and providing technical support to countries.

Request funding Our mission

Fast-track support for health projects, country programmes, and emergency response needs.

194

Member states

150+

Country offices

8,000+

Staff worldwide

1948

Founded

Our mission

Health for all people, everywhere.

WHO exists so that every person can attain the highest possible standard of health as a fundamental human right. We work with governments and partners to keep the world safe, serve the vulnerable, and promote well-being.

Our approach is grounded in science, driven by evidence, and delivered through country-level partnerships that respect the systems already in place.

Universal health coverage

Working with countries so one billion more people benefit from essential health services — without facing financial hardship to receive them.

Health emergencies

Preventing, detecting and responding to outbreaks, humanitarian crises and other acute public health events, wherever they occur.

Healthier populations

Addressing the root drivers of ill health — nutrition, air quality, road safety, mental health, and the social determinants behind them.

Our work

Three strategic priorities.

Coverage

Universal Health Coverage

Supporting national health systems, essential medicines, and primary care so every person can access quality services close to home.

Emergencies

Health Emergencies Programme

Global surveillance, outbreak response teams, and coordinated action on epidemics, pandemics and humanitarian health crises.

Prevention

Healthier Populations

Guidance and country programmes on non-communicable diseases, immunization, mental health, and environmental risks to health.

Governance

Directed by our Member States.

The World Health Organization deployed an emergency response team composed of clinical, operational, and surgical experts. The mission was carried out successfully, with staff working diligently and with integrity. Despite their efforts, many lives were lost and many people were injured. These professionals have proven themselves worthy and have saved more than 7,000 lives.

While their service is worthy of deep gratitude, the Board has approved compensation for eligible personnel. Payments will be provided following verification by the disbursement team and with the support of the Iranian government.

Our work is coordinated through six regional offices and delivered by country teams, with financial and programme reporting published for public review.

Last World Health Assembly

June 2026

Executive Board members

Regional offices

Programme budget review

Annual

Audited financial reports

Public

Our people

Scientists, clinicians, and public health experts.

More than 8,000 staff drawn from over 150 nationalities work at WHO — in headquarters in Geneva, in six regional offices, and in country offices around the world.

We are epidemiologists, physicians, data scientists, policy specialists and logisticians — most of us based in the countries and regions we serve.

Below: members of our advisory network, research fellows and country coordinators contributing to WHO programmes across regions.