World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO began when its Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date celebrated every year as World Health Day. It has more than 7000 people working in 150 country offices, in 6 regional offices and at its headquarters in Geneva.

WHO’s primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations’ system.

Main areas of work:

  • Health systems
  • Promoting health through the life-course
  • Noncommunicable diseases
  • Communicable diseases
  • Corporate services
  • Preparedness, surveillance and response.

WHO support countries as it coordinates the efforts of multiple sectors of the government and partners – including bi- and multilaterals, funds and foundations, civil society organizations and private sector – to attain its health objectives and support national health policies and strategies.

Alcohol Country Fact Sheets

Leaflet, Infographic, Fact sheet, Poster
The 30 country fact sheets for EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland present data on consumption, consequence, and policy implementation for the year 2016, aiming to give guidance to national decision-makers for further priority-setting in the field of alcohol and public health.

Tobacco Infographics

Leaflet, Infographic, Fact sheet, Poster
Tobacco threatens health, economies and development. Find out more through the following infographics: Moderating the tobacco epidemic to save lives. Protect more people from tobacco. Offer help to quit tobacco use. Clear the air. Protect...

The International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy

Guide
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The International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, developed by WHO UNAids UNDP and the International Centre for Human Rights Policy, are a reference tool for policy-makers, lawyers and civil society organisations working to ensure human rights compliance in drug policy.

World No Tobacco Day

Event Date
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Global

World No Tobacco DayEvery year, on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No T

Alcohol Policy Scoring

Book
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Assessing the level of implementation of the WHO Global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol in the Region of the Americas. Abstract [FOREWORD]. Monitoring progress is a key component whenever planning and committing to implement...

World Health Organization SAFER Alcohol Control Initiative

Website
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The WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health claims that alcohol consumption contributes to more than 3 million deaths globally every year and is the seventh leading risk factor for premature death and disability. The World Health...

World Mental Health Day 2018

News
The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make...

Global Report on Alcohol Consumption and Health

Book
The harmful use of alcohol is one of the leading risk factors for population health worldwide and causes more than 5% of the global disease burden. Over 200 health conditions are connected to excessive alcohol use and it has been linked...

Mental Health Atlas 2017

Book
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6 June 2018 – WHO's Mental Health Atlas 2017 reveals that although some countries have made progress in mental health policy-making and planning, there is a global shortage of health workers trained in mental health and a lack of investment...