 What is the World Health Organization? The World Health Organization, also known as WHO, is a specialized agency of the United Nations and is devoted to international public health. But how did we get here? Well, WHO was established on April 7, 1948, with 61 countries having signed its constitution in 1946. It is now headquartered in Geneva in Switzerland and operates through offices in over 150 countries. WHO employees work side by side with governments and several partners to strive for the highest attainable health for all people. But how does the World Health Organization pursue that goal? WHO provides leadership, shapes the research agenda, and sets and promotes health norms and standards. WHO also monitors the world health situation and related trends. The budget on which the WHO operates is mainly supplied by its member states and partly by voluntary contributions. WHO's current priorities include, but are not limited to, communicable diseases like HIV, AIDS, Ebola, malaria, non-communicable diseases like cancer or heart diseases, substance abuse, and also sexual and reproductive health. Many of you might have heard of the World Health Report and surprised that WHO is responsible for this publication. WHO is also in charge of the World Health Day, which takes place every year on April 7. Let's make sure everybody can celebrate a healthy life. Find more information on WHO.int.