6.5 Health Organisations

WHO (World Health Organization)

• Definition: Specialized agency of the United Nations concerned with international public health.
• Major Roles:
  • Providing leadership on global health matters.
  • Shaping the health research agenda.
  • Setting norms and standards.
  • Articulating evidence-based policy options.
  • Providing technical support to countries.
  • Monitoring and assessing health trends.

Red Cross

• Definition: International humanitarian movement protecting human life and health, ensuring respect for all human beings, and preventing/alleviating human suffering.
• Major Roles:
  • Providing humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict and disaster.
  • Promoting international humanitarian law.
  • Providing health and social care.
  • Responding to emergencies.