World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is the United Nations specialized agency for international public health, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 1948 and directed by member states through the World Health Assembly, it sets international health standards, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and provides technical guidance and data to national health systems. Its work includes setting norms and guidelines, monitoring global health trends, supporting immunization and disease-eradication efforts, and administering the International Health Regulations. The organization advises governments but generally relies on member states to implement its recommendations, as it has limited direct authority over national health policy.