The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates responses to international public health issues and emergencies. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is the largest intergovernmental health organization at the international level. Only sovereign states are eligible to join it.

The WHO was established on 7 April 1948 and formally began its work on 1 September 1948. Its stated purpose is to achieve the highest possible level of health for all the world’s people, defining health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Its main functions include promoting control of epidemic and endemic diseases, improving teaching and training in public health and medical treatment, and promoting international standards for biological products. The organization is led by a director-general, who is the chief executive officer and the principal advisor to the United Nations on global health matters.

In the news context, the WHO is cited for malaria-related data and guidance. The article notes WHO data showing about 610,000 malaria deaths in 2024, with African countries accounting for 95% of global cases and deaths. It also mentions WHO certification of malaria-free countries and WHO recommendation of the R21 vaccine for children.