March 11, 2025 is a significant date that marks the 100th anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It was established on April 7, 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO’s objective, as set out in its constitution, is “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.”
The WHO plays a critical role in global health by 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, and monitoring and assessing health trends.