What Is the World Health Organization (WHO)?
Did you know there’s an organization that works to make the world healthier for everyone? It’s called the World Health Organization, or WHO for short.
The WHO is part of the United Nations, and its main job is to help people stay healthy all over the world. It was created on April 7, 1948, and this day is now celebrated as World Health Day every year!
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What Does the WHO Do?
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The WHO works on many important things to keep people healthy. Here are some examples:
- Stopping Diseases: The WHO helps countries fight diseases like malaria, polio, and COVID-19.
- Promoting Healthier Lives: They teach people about eating healthy food, exercising, and avoiding smoking.
- Helping in Emergencies: When disasters happen, like earthquakes or disease outbreaks, the WHO provides quick help.
- Better Healthcare Systems: The WHO helps countries build stronger hospitals and train doctors and nurses.
A great example of their work is how they helped get rid of smallpox, a dangerous disease that affected millions of people in the past. Now, smallpox is gone because of the WHO!
The WHO and the United States
The United States has always been a big supporter of the WHO. It has given a lot of money to help fund their work. However, in recent years, there has been some disagreement. In 2020, former President Donald Trump decided to stop funding the WHO, saying he disagreed with how they handled some issues.
Recently, in January 2025, the U.S. announced plans to leave the WHO. This is a big decision because the U.S. gives a lot of money—about 18% of the WHO’s total funding. Without this money, some programs may not have enough resources to continue helping people.
Why Does This Matter?
If the U.S. leaves the WHO, it could make it harder for the world to fight diseases. For example:
- Vaccination programs may slow down.
- Efforts to stop diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria could be affected.
- Emergency responses might not be as strong.
This decision has caused a lot of debate. Some people think the U.S. should stay and keep supporting global health. Others believe the U.S. should focus on its own healthcare needs first.
Why Should You Care?
The WHO doesn’t just help other countries—it helps everyone, including people in the U.S. For example, when COVID-19 spread across the globe, the WHO worked to share information and create vaccines. If countries work together, they can solve health problems faster and better.
Quick Facts About the WHO
- Founded: April 7, 1948.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Mission: To make the world healthier and safer.
- Key Achievements: Eradicating smallpox and leading global vaccination efforts.
What Can You Do?
You don’t have to be a doctor or scientist to make a difference. Here’s how you can help:
- Learn About Health Issues: Stay informed about global health.
- Support Vaccinations: Make sure you and your family are up to date on vaccines.
- Speak Up: Share why global health is important with others.
Final Thoughts
The World Health Organization plays a big role in keeping people healthy all over the world. Decisions like the U.S. leaving the WHO can have serious effects on how well we can fight diseases. By working together, we can create a healthier and safer future for everyone.
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