The World Health Organization (WHO) is the UN specialised agency for public health, founded in 1948; the anniversary of its founding is World Health Day. All member states meet yearly in the World Health Assembly, its decision-making body.
Key facts
- Founded in 1948; the World Health Assembly is its decision-making body; six regional offices.
- Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Smallpox eradication, declared in 1979 to 1980, is its best known success.
- The United States gave notice of withdrawal in January 2025 and formally left in 2026; it had funded about 18 percent of the budget. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- It can declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the International Health Regulations (2005).
Why exams ask about it
Headquarters city, founding year, the day named after it and the Director-General are standard questions.