WHO World Organization. Age classification of the World Health Organization. Roman Catholic Church and AIDS

In modern society, one of the main values ​​is human life. A large number of activities supported by the rulers of almost all countries of the world are aimed at improving its quality and duration. To coordinate their actions, as well as to perform many other functions in the field of maintaining and improving the health of the population, the World Health Organization (WHO) was created, which is currently one of the most authoritative and influential organizations in the world.

Origins and purpose of WHO

Its activity began in 1948. It was then that the charter was ratified and the first commitments were made, in particular, for example, the development of an international classification of diseases. In the future, WHO continued to take responsibility for the implementation of large-scale programs around the world. One of the most important achievements is the smallpox eradication campaign, which was successfully completed in 1981. The spheres of influence, directions of activity and functions of the organization are determined by the charter and lead to one goal - the achievement of the highest level of health, which is only possible under given conditions, for all the peoples of the world.

WHO principles

The constitution of the World Health Organization defines health as a state of well-being on a physical, mental and social level. And he separately explains that if a person has no illnesses and physical defects, then it is too early to say that he is healthy, since the state of mental balance and the social factor are not taken into account. WHO Member States, by signing the Charter, agree that every person has the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health, and any success of the state in the field of health is of value to all. In addition, there are some principles that are also fundamental, and they are adhered to by all who have adopted the bylaws. Here are some of them.

• Health for all is a fundamental factor in the achievement of peace and security, and depends on the degree of cooperation of individuals and states.
• The uneven development of health care, as well as disease control measures in different regions of the world, is a common danger.
• The health of the child is a factor of paramount importance.
• Providing the opportunity to use all the achievements of modern medicine is a necessary condition for the highest level of health.

Functions of WHO

To achieve the intended goal, the charter specifies the functions of the organization, which are very extensive and varied. To list them, the World Health Organization used all the letters of the Latin alphabet. Since there are quite a few of them, here are the most important ones. So, the functions of the WHO are as follows:

• act as a coordinating and directing body in international health work;
• provide necessary assistance and technical assistance in health care activities;
• encourage and develop work to combat various diseases, as well as support the maintenance that may be required;
• promote change for the better in the medical and health professions;
• establish and disseminate international standards for food, pharmaceutical and other products;
• to develop the protection of motherhood and childhood, to take measures to harmonize life.

WHO work

The work of the organization is carried out in the form of annual World Health Assemblies, where representatives from different countries discuss the most important issues in the field of public health. They are led by a CEO selected by an executive committee that includes representatives from 30 countries. The functions of the CEO include providing the organization's annual budget and financial statements. It has the authority to obtain the necessary information related to health care directly from government and private institutions. In addition, he is obliged to keep the regional offices informed of all territorial matters.

WHO divisions

The WHO structure includes 6 regional divisions: European, American, Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, Pacific and African. Decisions are almost always made at the regional level. In autumn, during the annual meeting, representatives from the countries of the region discuss the pressing problems and tasks for their area, adopting appropriate resolutions. The Regional Director, who coordinates the work at this level, is elected for 5 years. Like the general, he has the authority to directly receive information in the field of health protection from various institutions in his region.

WHO activities

To date, there are several most important areas of activity carried out by the World Health Organization. The Millennium Goals - this is how various media characterize them. They include the following activities:

• assistance in the eradication and treatment of diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis;
• assistance in campaigns aimed at improving conditions for pregnant women and children;
• identification of factors in the development of chronic diseases and prevention of their development;
• assistance in improving the mental health of the population;
• cooperation in activities aimed at improving the health of adolescents.

The systematic and constant work of the organization in these areas has been going on for a long time, and, of course, there are achievements. But it is too early to talk about their successful completion.

WHO achievements

WHO's already recognized accomplishments include:

• eradication of smallpox in the world;
• a significant reduction in the incidence of malaria;
• vaccination campaign against six infectious diseases;
• identifying HIV and combating its spread;
• establishment of primary health care services.

ICD

An important activity of WHO is the development and improvement of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). It is needed in order to be able to collect, systematize and compare data received from different regions over a long period of time. Since 1948, the World Health Organization has led and supported this work. The 10th revision of the ICD is currently in force. One of the main achievements of this revision is the translation of disease names into alphanumeric form. Now the disease is coded by the letter of the Latin alphabet and three digits after it. This made it possible to greatly increase the coding structure and reserve free places for diseases of unknown etiology and conditions identified in the course of research activities. The modern WHO classification is used when conducting forensic psychiatric examinations, since this is necessary under the legislation of the Russian Federation.

Statistics and norms

An important functional part of the organization is the state of health of the population and the compilation, based on the results obtained, of standards that determine the living conditions for people around the world. For comparability and reliability of data, they are grouped, for example, by age, gender or region of residence, and then processed according to a special methodology developed by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), Eurostat and other UN bodies, including WHO. is based on its statistical content, that is, it is a certain range of values ​​within which most of the data characteristic of a certain group of people is located. This helps to objectively assess the health status of the population and make appropriate decisions.

It should be noted that WHO standards are periodically reviewed due to new conditions or errors in research. So, 9 years ago, the tables and the growth of the child were revised.

Child's weight and height

Until 2006, data on child development were collected without taking into account the type of feeding. However, this approach was recognized as erroneous, since artificial nutrition greatly distorted the result. Now, according to the new WHO standards, growth is compared with the reference parameters of breastfed children, since in this case the best quality of nutrition is provided. Special tables and graphs help mothers around the world to correlate their performance with the standards. On the official website, the World Health Organization has posted the WHO Anthro program, by downloading which you can evaluate the weight and height of the child, as well as examine his nutritional status. Deviation from the normative values ​​is a reason for consulting with your doctor.

A lot of attention is paid to the problem of maintaining breastfeeding. WHO includes the compilation of brochures, posters and other materials that promote the rules of natural child nutrition. Printed materials are used in medical institutions and help new mothers to breastfeed for a long time, thereby ensuring the most correct and

Organization of breastfeeding

Complete nutrition of the child is impossible without mother's milk. Therefore, helping the mother in the proper organization of feeding is one of the important tasks of WHO. Recommendations for organizing breastfeeding are as follows:

• the first time to put the baby to the breast is necessary within an hour after birth;
• do not bottle feed a newborn;
• in the hospital, mother and baby should be together;
• apply to the chest on demand;
• do not tear off the breast before the child wants to;
• maintain night feedings;
• do not solder;
• to give the opportunity to completely empty one breast before giving another;
• do not wash nipples before feeding;
• do not weigh more than once a week;
• do not express;
• do not introduce complementary foods until 6 months;
• continue breastfeeding up to 2 years.

Individual norms

If for some reason it is not possible to establish breastfeeding, it should be remembered that artificial children gain weight somewhat more than infants. Therefore, when comparing normative indicators with your own data, you need to take this nuance into account.

In addition, there are some hereditary parameters that do not fit into the standard picture. For example, height at birth. Most likely, short parents will have a child with an underestimated level of growth, while tall ones, on the contrary, with an overestimated one. A slight deviation from the norm should not be a cause for concern; in this case, an additional consultation with a pediatrician is simply necessary.

The World Health Organization believes that genetics does not have much influence on the developmental norms of babies up to a year old. The main reason for weight deviations is an unbalanced diet.

Foundation date: 1948
Number of participating countries: 194
Headquarters location: Geneva, Switzerland
Director: Dr. Margaret Chen

WHO functions:

WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health issues, setting the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, developing evidence-based policies, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and evaluating the health situation. the dynamics of its change.

The Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) is one of six WHO Regional Offices located in different parts of the world. WHO/Europe serves the WHO European Region, which includes 53 countries and covers a vast area from the Atlantic to the Pacific. WHO/Europe is a team of scientific and technical specialists in various aspects of public health, based in the head office in Copenhagen (Denmark), in 4 affiliated centers, as well as in country offices located in 29 countries.

WHO Office in the Russian Federation

Foundation date: December 1998
Representative: Dr. Melita Vujnovic

The role of the WHO country office is to respond to the country's requests for support in the policy-making process for sustainable health development using a holistic health system approach. This includes providing general leadership, building relationships at the local level for technical cooperation, setting standards and agreements, and ensuring the implementation and coordination of public health responses in crises.

The WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation was established in December 1998 in Moscow to carry out, in consultation with the Russian governing bodies, the following tasks:

• Strengthening the presence of WHO in the Russian Federation;
• Coordination of assistance to the health sector based on the technical capacity of WHO;
• Assistance to the Russian health authorities in their efforts to combat tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as providing support in solving structural problems related to essential drugs;
• Representing WHO at high-level meetings;
• Advising agencies of the UN system and other organizations, donor governments and financial institutions, on the provision of humanitarian assistance and other assistance in the field of health;
• Facilitating the development of plans for cooperation between WHO and the Russian Federation;

The priorities for the country office are set out in a biennial collaborative agreement (BCA) between the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the country in which the office operates. The office implements the agreement in close cooperation with national institutions and international partner organizations.

Key WHO priorities in the Russian Federation according to the LTA

• Implementation of the strategic vision of the Health 2020 policy in the Russian Federation;
• Investing in health throughout the life course and empowering citizens;
• Solving the most urgent problems of the Region related to non-communicable and infectious diseases;
• Strengthening people-centred health systems, public health capacity, and emergency preparedness, surveillance and response; And
• Ensuring the resilience of local communities and creating a supportive environment

The following WHO programs are currently being implemented in the Russian Federation:

• Tuberculosis Control Program;
• HIV/AIDS Program;
• Road Safety Program;
• Tobacco control program.

Contact Information

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency focused on public health issues. The organization was established on 7 April 1948 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group. Its "predecessor", the Health Organization, was an agency of the League of Nations. The constitution of the World Health Organization was signed on July 22, 1946 by 61 countries. The first meeting of the World Health Assembly ended on July 24, 1948. It was attended by Office International d "Hygiène Publique and the Health Organization of the League of Nations. Since its inception, WHO has played a leading role in the eradication of smallpox. WHO priorities now include infectious diseases, in particular malaria and tuberculosis; mitigation of the effects of non-communicable diseases; sexual and reproductive health, development and aging, nutrition, food security and healthy eating, substance abuse, and publications, activism and the Internet. is also responsible for World Health Day (April 7 of each year) The WHO is currently led by Margaret Chan The submitted budget for WHO in 2014/2015 was about US$ 4 billion About US$ 930 million was provided by UN member countries, and the remaining US$3 billion by voluntary sponsors .

History

institution

During the 1945 UN Conference, Dr. Stseming Sze, a delegate from China, raised the issue of establishing an international health organization under the auspices of the UN with his Norwegian and Brazilian colleagues. Since no consensus could be reached on this issue, Alger Hiss, Secretary General of the conference, made a recommendation that the declaration be used to establish such an organization. Dr. Sze and other delegates lobbied for the project, resulting in a declaration to establish a world health conference. The use of the word "worldwide" rather than "international" emphasizes the global scope of the organization's goals. The WHO constitution was signed by all UN member countries (51 countries) and another 10 countries on July 22, 1946. WHO became the first UN specialized agency to include all UN members. Its constitution formally came into effect on the first World Health Day, April 7, 1948, when it was ratified by the 26th member of the UN. The first meeting of the World Health Assembly ended on 24 July 1948, after which a budget of US$5 million (then £1,250,000) was set for 1949. Andrija Stămpar became the first President of the Assembly, and G. Brock Chisholm, who served as Executive Secretary during the organization's planning, was appointed Director-General of WHO. WHO's primary tasks were to control the spread of malaria, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as to improve maternal and child health, nutrition and environmental health. The first legislative act of the WHO concerned the compilation of accurate statistics on the spread of diseases. The staff of Asclepius (a snake wrapped around a stick) became the logo of the WHO.

Work

The WHO set up an epidemiological information service via telex in 1947. By 1950, mass vaccination against tuberculosis was carried out (using the BCG vaccine). In 1955, a malaria control program was launched. In 1965, the first report on diabetes was released and the International Agency for Research on Cancer was established. In 1966, WHO moved into its headquarters building. In 1974, the Expanded Vaccination Program was launched, as well as the control program for onchocerciasis, an important collaboration between the World Food Organization, the United Nations Development Program and the World Bank. The following year, the Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases was also launched. In 1976, the World Health Assembly voted to adopt a resolution on disease prevention and rehabilitation, with a focus on community health care. The first list of vital and essential medicines was approved in 1977, and a year later the ambitious slogan "health for all" was proclaimed. In 1986, WHO launched its global program on the growing problem of HIV/AIDS, and two years later it focused on preventing discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS. In 1996, the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS) program was created. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was established in 1988. In 1958, Viktor Zhdanov, Deputy Minister of Health of the USSR, approached the World Health Assembly with a proposal to introduce a global smallpox control program, which led to the adoption of WHO Resolution 11.54. By that time, smallpox was killing 2 million people every year. In 1967, the World Health Organization strengthened the smallpox program by increasing the program's annual allocation by $2.4 million a year and introducing a new method of epidemiological surveillance. The initial problem faced by WHO was that of inadequate reporting of smallpox cases. WHO has established a network of consultants to help countries implement surveillance and help contain the spread of the disease. WHO also contributed to the suppression of the last outbreak in Europe (Yugoslavia, 1972). After two decades of fighting smallpox, in 1979 the WHO announced that the disease had been successfully eradicated, the first disease in history to be eradicated by human will. In 1998, the Director-General of WHO highlighted the organization's progress in child survival, reduction in infant mortality, increase in life expectancy and reduction in the spread of dangerous diseases such as smallpox and polio on the fifteenth anniversary of WHO's founding. He noted, however, that much remains to be done in matters related to maternal health and that progress in this area has been rather slow. Cholera and malaria have remained unresolved problems since the founding of the WHO, but there has been a significant decrease in their prevalence over this period. In 2000, the Stop TB Partnership (a movement against the spread of tuberculosis) was founded and the UN Millennium Development Goals were set. In 2001, the measles initiative was created, which reduced the total number of deaths due to the disease by 68% by 2007. In 2002, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was founded. In 2006, the organization launched the world's first official HIV/AIDS fundraiser in Zimbabwe, which formed the basis for a global plan to prevent, treat and sustain the AIDS epidemic.

Common goals

The WHO constitution states that the purpose of the organization is "the attainment of the highest possible standard of health by all the people of the world." WHO achieves this goal by exercising its functions, also defined by the Constitution: (a) acting as the organizing and coordinating authority on health matters throughout the world; (b) establishing and maintaining effective cooperation with the UN, specialized agencies, ministries of health of various countries, professional groups and other organizations; © helping the governments of different countries, if necessary, to resolve issues to improve the healthcare system; (d) providing appropriate technical support and, in urgent cases, providing the necessary assistance at the request or consent of States; (e) providing for the provision of the health care system or assisting in the provision, at the request of the United Nations, of equipment for special groups, such as people from the Trust Territories; (f) establishing and maintaining the activities of administrative and technical services, including epidemiological and statistical services; (g) stimulating and encouraging work to eradicate epidemic, endemic and other diseases; (h) contributing, in cooperation with other specialized services, to the prevention of accidental damage; (i) promoting, in cooperation with other specialized services, the improvement of nutrition, housing, sanitation, recreation, economic and working conditions and other aspects of environmental health; (j) facilitating collaboration between scientific and professional groups concerned with improving the health status of the population; (k) proposing conventions, agreements and regulations, and issuing recommendations on global health matters. WHO currently defines its role in the public health system as follows:

Providing leadership on health-related issues and, if necessary, collaborating with other organizations;

Formation of research goals and stimulation of the creation, translation and dissemination of valuable knowledge;

Establishing norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation in practice;

Clarifying ethical and constructive policy alternatives;

Providing technical support, catalyzing change and building workable institutions;

Monitoring and evaluation of the situation in the field of health and healthcare.

Infectious diseases

The 2012–2013 WHO budget indicates 13 areas among which funding has been divided. Two of these 13 areas are related to infectious diseases: the first is to reduce the “economic, social and health burden” associated with infectious diseases in general; and the second - with the fight against HIV / AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in particular. With regard to HIV/AIDS, WHO is collaborating with the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS) network, and WHO considers it important to align its work with the goals and strategies of UNAIDS. WHO is also trying to be involved not only in the field of health, but also in other areas of society, influencing the economic and social effects of the disease as well. In collaboration with UNAIDS, WHO has set an interim target for 2009–2015 to reduce the number of people aged 15–24 with HIV/AIDS by 50%; reduce childhood HIV infection by 90%; and to reduce HIV-related deaths by 25%. Although the WHO withdrew its commitment to the global campaign to eradicate malaria in the 1970s, deeming it "too ambitious", the WHO maintains its commitment to malaria control. The WHO Global Malaria Program operates by monitoring malaria cases and future problems in malaria control schemes. By 2015, WHO promises to report a viable malaria vaccine (RTS,S/AS01). Currently, insecticides and mosquito nets are used to prevent the spread of malaria, as well as antimalarial drugs, in particular for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Between 1990 and 2010, WHO's contribution to TB control resulted in a 40% reduction in TB deaths. Since 2005, over 46 million people have been treated under WHO patronage and 7 million people have been saved. WHO activities in this area include cooperation with and funding of national governments, early detection, standard treatment, monitoring the spread and impact of tuberculosis, and stabilizing the supply of medicines. The WHO was also the first to note the susceptibility to tuberculosis in victims of HIV/AIDS. WHO's goal is to eradicate poliomyelitis. WHO has successfully contributed to a 99% reduction in polio cases since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, with the participation of Rotary International, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and other smaller organizations. WHO is involved in vaccinating young children and preventing the recurrence of polio cases in countries declared "free" of the disease.

Noncommunicable diseases

Another of WHO's thirteen priority areas is to prevent and reduce the spread of "morbidity, disability and premature death due to chronic non-communicable diseases, mental illness, violence and injury, and visual impairment."

Length and lifestyle

WHO works to “reduce morbidity and mortality and improve population health during key life periods, including pregnancy, childbirth, the neonatal period, childhood and adolescence, as well as improve sexual and reproductive health and promote active and healthy aging for all people ". WHO also seeks to prevent or reduce risk factors for "health conditions associated with the use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and other psychoactive substances, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity and unsafe sex." WHO works to improve nutritional conditions and food security for a positive impact on public health and sustainable development.

Surgery and trauma

The WHO promotes road safety as a means to reduce road traffic injuries. WHO is also working on global initiatives in the field of surgery, including emergency and life-saving surgery, trauma care and safe surgery. The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is currently used worldwide as a measure to improve patient safety.

Emergency medical care

WHO's primary goal is to provide natural emergency care and coordinate with Member States to "reduce inevitable mortality and the burden of disease and disability". On May 5, 2014, the WHO announced that the spread of polio is a global scourge requiring immediate attention - outbreaks in Asia, Africa and the Middle East are considered "extraordinary". On August 8, 2014, the WHO announced that the spread of the Ebola virus is also a global disaster; the outbreak, thought to have started in Guinea, has spread to other nearby countries such as Liberia and Sierra Leone. The situation in West Africa is considered very serious.

Health Policy

WHO addresses health policy with two objectives: first, “to address important social and economic health issues through the adoption of programs and policies that promote health equity and the integration of programs that support the poor, are gender sensitive and ensuring human rights”, and secondly, “the promotion of a healthier environment, the intensification of primary prevention of diseases and increased activity in all areas of public life to address the problems underlying environmental risks to public health”. The organization develops and promotes the use of constructive tools, norms and standards to support member countries in informing health policy options. WHO oversees the application of the International Health Regulations and publishes a number of medical classifications; three of these are considered "reference classifications": the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD), the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the International Classification of Treatment Procedures (ICHI). Other international policy standards produced by WHO include the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (adopted in 1981), the Tobacco Control Convention (adopted in 2003) and the Global Code of Practice for Cross-National Recruitment of Health Personnel (adopted in 2010). When it comes to health services, WHO seeks to improve “governance, funding, staffing and management” and the availability and quality of data and research to track policy. The organization also seeks to "improve the access, quality and use of medical products and technologies." WHO, working with philanthropic organizations and national governments, can improve the use and collection of research data in these countries.

Management and support

The remaining two of the thirteen identified WHO policy areas are those related to the role of WHO itself:

"leadership, oversight and collaboration with countries, the United Nations system and other partners to ensure that WHO is empowered to advance global health goals"; And

"development and maintenance of WHO as a flexible, changing organization capable of exercising its mandate in a more efficient and effective manner".

Cooperation

The WHO, along with the World Bank, forms the team responsible for managing the International Health Cooperation (IHP+). IHP+ is a group of partner governments, enterprise development agencies, civil societies and other businesses responsible for improving the health of citizens in developing countries. Partners work together to improve international principles for promoting mutual assistance and developing cooperation in the health sector. The organization also collaborates with scientific organizations, scientists and professionals to communicate the results of its work, such as the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization, the Expert Committee on Leprosy and the WHO Study Group on Interprofessional Learning and Collaborative Practices. WHO administers the Health Policy and Research Systems Collaboration, which was established to improve health policy and health systems. WHO is also working to improve access to health research and publications in developing countries, for example through the HINARI (Who Cross-System Access to Research Initiative) network.

Health education and action

Each year, the Organization organizes International Health Day and other health related festivities. International Health Day is celebrated on April 7 every year, the day the WHO was founded. The latest themes of the holiday were vector-borne diseases (2014), healthy aging (2012) and drug resistance (2011). Other official global public campaigns sponsored by WHO are World TB Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Donor Day, World Hepatitis Day and World AIDS Day. As part of the UN, WHO supports the work on the Millennium Development Goals. Among the eight Millennium Development Goals, three—reducing child mortality by two-thirds, reducing maternal mortality by three-fourths, and halting and beginning to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS—are directly linked to WHO policy; the other five are interrelated with and influence the global health system.

Working with data and publishing

The World Health Organization provides information on the health and well-being of the population through a large number of information processing platforms, including the World Health Information Service, containing data on almost 400,000 respondents from 70 countries, and the Global Aging and Health of the Elderly (SAGE), containing data on more than 50,000 people over the age of 50 in 23 countries. The Global Health Portal (CHIP) was created to provide access to information about the health care system around the world. Information from this portal is used to prioritize future strategies or plans, their implementation, monitoring and evaluation. WHO publishes various tools to measure and monitor the performance of national health systems and health workforce. The Global Health Observatory (GHO) is WHO's main portal providing access to data and analysis on key health topics by monitoring the health situation around the world. The WHO Mental Health Systems Assessment Tool (WHO-AIMS), the WHO Quality of Life Tool (WHOQOL) and the Service Accessibility and Readiness Assessment provide guidance for data collection. Collaborative efforts by WHO and other agencies, such as the Health Metrics Network, are also aimed at providing high-quality information to support government decision-making. WHO promotes the development of science in the UN Member States to use and conduct research aimed at national needs of the population, including the Police Data Collection Network (EVIPNet). The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/AMRO) was the first organization to develop and implement a health research policy, approved in September 2009. On December 10, 2013, a new WHO database, known as MiNDbank, went online. This database was launched on Human Rights Day and is part of the WHO quality of rights initiative aimed at ending restrictions on the rights of people with mental health problems. The new database provides a wealth of information on mental health, substance abuse, disability, human rights and various political movements, policies, laws and service standards in various countries. It also contains important international documents and information. The database gives visitors access to health information in WHO Member States and other partners. Users can get information about policies, laws and strategies, as well as learn about best practices and success stories in the field of mental health. WHO regularly publishes the World Health Report, its flagship publication, which includes peer review on a specific topic of global health. Other WHO publications include Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Health (controlled by EMRO), Human Resources for Health (published in collaboration with BioMed Central), and Pan American Journal of Public Health (controlled by PAHO/AMRO).

Structure

WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

Membership

As of 2015, the WHO has 194 member countries: all UN member countries accept Liechtenstein, as well as the Cook Islands and about. Niue (the country becomes a full member of the WHO by ratifying the treaty known as the Constitution of the World Health Organization). As of 2013, WHO also has two junior members, Puerto Rico and Tokelau. Some other elements have browser status. Palestine is an observer as a "national liberation movement" recognized by the League of Arab States under UN Resolution 3118. The Holy See, as well as the Order of Malta, are also observers. In 2010, Taiwan was invited to the WHO under the name "Chinese Taipei". Member countries of the UN appoint delegations to the World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body in the WHO. All member countries of the UN can join the WHO and, according to the WHO website, "other countries may be admitted to membership if their application is approved by a simple vote of the World Health Assembly." Moreover, UN observer organizations, the International Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have entered into "official relations" with the WHO and are included as observers. In the World Health Assembly they are admitted as members along with other non-governmental organizations.

The World Health Assembly is the legislative and supreme body of WHO. The Assembly is based in Geneva and meets annually in May. Every five years, the Assembly elects the Director-General and votes on the policy and finances of WHO, including the proposed budget. It also receives reports from the Executive Council and decides which areas of work require further consideration. The Assembly elects 34 members, technically qualified in the field of health, to the Executive Council for a term of three years. The main functions of the Council are to carry out the decisions and policies of the Assembly, to give advice and facilitate its work.

Regional offices

The regional divisions of WHO were established in 1949-1952, and are based on Article 44 of the WHO constitution, which allows WHO "to establish a [single] regional organization to meet the requirements of regional organizations in order to meet the needs of [each] specific area." Many decisions are made at the regional level, including important disputes over WHO's budget and over the members of the next assembly appointed by the regions. Each region has a Regional Committee that meets once a year, usually in the fall. Representatives are present from each member or associate member in each region, including those countries that are not fully recognized. For example, Palestine participates in meetings of the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. Each region also has its own regional office. Each regional office is headed by a regional director who is elected by the regional committee. The Council must approve such appointments, but as of 2004, it has never overruled a Regional Committee's decision. The exact role of the Council in this process is a matter of debate, but the practical effect has always been small. Since 1999, regional directors have served five-year terms. Each WHO regional committee is composed of all heads of health departments in all governments of the countries that make up the region. In addition to electing the Regional Director, the Regional Committee is also responsible for setting guidelines for the application within the region of the health policy and beyond adopted by the World Health Assembly. The Regional Committee also serves as WHO's progressive review board within the region. The Regional Director is the head of WHO in the region. It manages or oversees health facility personnel and other experts from regional offices and specialized centers. The Regional Director also delegates authority – in parallel with the Director-General of WHO – to all heads of WHO offices in various countries, known as WHO Representatives, within the region. WHO employs 8,500 people in 147 countries. In support of the principle of tobacco freedom, WHO does not employ smokers. In 2003, the Organization initiated the creation of the Tobacco Convention. WHO also works with "representatives of goodwill", people from the world of art, sports and other areas of public life who are engaged in drawing attention to the initiatives and projects of WHO. There are currently five goodwill representatives (Jet Li, Nancy Bricker, Peng Liyan, Yohetz Sasakawa and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) and another representative associated with the partnership project (Craig David).

Liaison offices and country offices

The World Health Organization works in 147 countries of the world in all regions. She also works in several liaison offices, including liaison offices with the EU, the UN and one office of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. She also works with the International Agency for Cancer Research in Lyon, France and with the WHO Center for Health Development in Kobe, Japan. Additional offices include offices in Pristina; in the West Bank of the Jordan River and in the city of Gaza; an office in El Paso on the US-Mexico border; an office for the Caribbean Coordination Program in Barbados; and an office in Northern Micronesia. There is usually one WHO office in the capital and additional offices in the provinces. The WHO National Office is headed by a WHO Representative. As of 2010, the only WHO representative outside of Europe was the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (“Libya”); all other members are international. The National Offices of the Americas are called PAHO/WHO Representatives. In Europe, two representatives also serve as heads of the National Bureau, and include countries with the exception of Serbia; there is also a head of the National Bureau in Albania, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. The main functions of the WHO National Office are advisory functions on health and pharmaceutical policy.

Funding and partnerships

WHO is funded by contributions from member countries and external contributors. As of 2012, the largest annual contributions from member countries were from the US ($110 million), Japan ($58 million), Germany ($37 million), UK ($31 million) and France ($31 million) . The 2012-2013 joint budget is $3.959 million, of which $944 million (24%) will come from assessed contributions. This represents a significant cost reduction compared to the previous 2009-2010 budget. Mandatory contributions remain the same. Voluntary contributions will amount to $3.015 million (76%), $800 million of which is considered highly or medium flexible funding, with the remainder tied to a specific program or purpose. In recent years, WHO's work has included increased collaboration with external organizations. As of 2002, all 473 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have formed some form of collaboration with WHO. There are 189 partnerships with international NGOs in formal "official relationships" - the rest are considered informal. Partners include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.

controversy

IAEA - Agreement VAZ 12-40

In 1959, WHO signed the WHA 12–40 Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agreement states that WHO recognizes that the IAEA has a responsibility for peaceful nuclear energy without prejudice to WHO's roles in promoting public health. However, the next paragraph reads: “If either organization proposes to launch a program or activity on a topic in which the other organization has or may have a significant interest, the first company must consult with the other to consider the case by mutual agreement.” The nature of this agreement has led some influential groups and activists (including Women in Europe for a Common Future) to believe that the WHO has limited capacity to investigate the effects of radiation on human health caused by the use of nuclear energy and the long-term effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disasters. and Fukushima. They believe that WHO should become "independent" again.

Roman Catholic Church and AIDS

In 2003, the WHO condemned the Roman Curia Ministry of Health for not accepting condom use, arguing that "wrong claims about condoms and HIV are dangerous in the face of global epidemics that have killed more than 20 million people and currently affect at least 42 million people." As of 2009, the Catholic Church continues to be opposed to the increased use of condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, World Health Assembly President Guyanese Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy denounced Pope Benedict's opposition to contraception, arguing that he was trying to "create confusion" and "impede" established strategies in the battle against the disease.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

In February 1946, the UN conference decided on the need to create a specialized UN agency for health issues. In June 1946, in New York, by decision of the UN Economic and Social Council, an international conference on health was convened, in which delegates from 51 countries, representatives of the International Bureau of Public Hygiene, the International Red Cross, the International Labor Office, etc., participated, which developed and adopted the Charter of a new international organization - the World Health Organization (WHO). By its nature, WHO was called upon to unite all the peoples of the world within the framework of its activities. The main goal of its activity is the achievement by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. The WHO constitution came into force on April 7, 1948. This day is celebrated annually as World Health Day.

For the first time at the international level, the WHO Charter proclaimed the right of every person to health, approved the principle of responsibility of governments for the health of their peoples, and also indicated the inextricable link between health and international security and the strengthening of science.

The World Health Organization is one of the largest UN specialized agencies. There are currently 164 Member States of the WHO.

WHO structure.

The highest body of WHO is the World Health Assembly, which consists of delegates representing the member states of WHO. No more than 3 delegates are allocated from each country, one of which is the head of the delegation. Delegates are usually employees of their country's health department. They must be highly qualified and have specialized knowledge in the field of health care. Delegates are usually accompanied by advisers, experts and technical staff.

Regular sessions of the Assembly are convened annually. The Assembly determines the directions of WHO activities, considers and approves long-term and annual work plans, budget, admission of new members and deprivation of the right to vote, appoints the WHO Director General, considers cooperation with other organizations, establishes sanitary and quarantine requirements, safety standards , purity and strength of biological and pharmaceutical products traded internationally. In addition, the WHO Assembly considers the recommendations of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Councils and the United Nations Security Council on health matters and reports to them on the measures taken by WHO to implement these recommendations.

Between sessions of the Assembly, the supreme body of WHO is the Executive Committee, which meets in regular sessions 2 times a year. The Executive Committee consists of 30 members - representatives of states, elected for 3 years. Every year its composition is updated by 1/3. Representatives of Russia, the USA, Great Britain, France and China are re-elected permanently, but with a one-year break every 3 years.

The Executive Board considers the program and budget of the organization, administrative and legal matters related to the activities of WHO, hears reports from expert committees and study groups, implements decisions of the Assembly and prepares recommendations. The WHO Executive Board has been given the right to take emergency measures in the event of epidemics, natural disasters, etc.

The central administrative body of WHO is the Secretariat, headed by a Director General, who is elected by the Assembly for a term of 5 years on the proposal of the Executive Board. The secretariat is headquartered in Geneva. The Director General fulfills all instructions of the Assembly and the Executive Committee, annually submits reports to the Assembly on the work of the organization, manages the daily activities of the secretariat.

Most of the departments of the WHO Secretariat are combined into 5 groups:

1) department of environmental health and department of sanitary statistics;

2) department for strengthening health services and family health;

3) department of noncommunicable diseases, health manpower development and medicines;

4) department of administrative management and personnel;

5) department of budget and finance.

In order to take into account local conditions and provide assistance to states, taking into account their special, country-specific needs in matters of health, 6 regional organizations have been created within WHO. Each such organization has a regional committee, which is composed of representatives of the Member States of WHO belonging to the given geographical area. The regional offices are the executive bodies of these organizations.

The following regional organizations currently exist:

1) European organization, office located in Copenhagen (Denmark);

2) African organization, bureau located in Brazzaville (Congo);

3) Eastern Mediterranean Organization, office located in Alexandria (Egypt);

4) Southeast Asia Organization, office located in Delhi (India);

5) Organization of the Western Pacific Ocean, the office is located in Manila (Philippines);

6) American organization, bureau located in Washington (USA).

tasks of the WHO.

According to the Constitution, WHO functions as the directing and coordinating body in international health work. WHO develops and improves international standards, nomenclature and classifications, promotes their dissemination, verifies and conducts medical research, and provides technical assistance to governments in strengthening national health care. Promotes the adoption and implementation of international conventions, agreements and rules in the field of health.

WHO activities.

WHO develops work programs that determine the main directions of its activities, activities of regional offices, health policy of the WHO Member States. The work program defines the framework for the new global health policy, which is being implemented under the following headings:

1. Control of epidemic and infectious diseases, including information, quarantine and preventive measures.

2. Fulfillment of international goals, in particular, the goals defined by the programs "Health for All", CINDI (Programme to Combat High Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease).

3. Ensuring compliance with international quality standards for medicinal substances, vitamin and mineral supplements for food products, and safe consumption standards.

4. Regular exchange of medical information, including the results of medical research, decisions of expert commissions, the creation of libraries, the publication of books and the training of specialists.

5. Standardization of terminology used in statistics, biology and pharmaceuticals.

6. Scientific research and information exchange.

7. Assistance to developing countries in morbidity and mortality control, health policy planning and training of specialists.

8. Special Joint International Health Programs: Expanded Program on Immunization, Tuberculosis, Malaria, AIDS, High Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease (CINDI) and Micronutrient Deficiencies.

9. Programs to control the spread of drugs and the fight against drug addiction.

10. Programs of measures to protect the environment, reduce air and water pollution, which has a negative impact on the ecological situation in neighboring countries and reduces the usable water resources of individual countries.

11. Protection and promotion of health as a component of economic development.

12. Protection and promotion of maternal and child health, including family planning policy, reduction of maternal and infant mortality.

13. Assessment of medical technologies.

14. Selection and management of effective and economical health programs.

15. Adequate participation of Member States in the financing of the activities of the Health for All program.

Even in the last century, a woman of 30 years old was considered elderly. Upon admission to the maternity ward, the expectant mother was classified as an old-bearing woman and was given disapproving glances. Today the situation has changed radically. Now a 40-year-old pregnant woman surprises few people. This is due to the increase in human life expectancy and other criteria.

The trend has forced the world community to reconsider the existing age limits. In particular, the WHO classification of ages has changed.

WHO classification

According to available data, the World Health Organization divides people into the following groups and categories:

When compiling the table, doctors were guided by improving the health and appearance of a person, increasing the ability to bear children, maintaining working capacity for many years, and other factors.

Gradation remotely resembles the division into certain groups and periods of life that existed in ancient Rome. In the time of Hippocrates, the age of up to 14 years old was considered youth, 15-42 years old maturity, 43-63 years old age, above that - longevity.

The change in periodization, according to scientists, is due to an increase in the intellectual level of mankind. Thanks to this, the body independently slows down the aging process, pushing back withering and the inevitable end. The peak of the intellectual development of a modern person falls on 42-45 years. This provides wisdom and, as a result, high adaptability.

According to statistics, over the years, the number of people aged 60-90 years has increased 4-5 times faster than the general figures.

This and other criteria determine the gradual increase in the retirement age in a number of countries around the world.

The influence of age on a person

However, the age classification of the World Health Organization is not able to change the consciousness of a person. In remote settlements, people still consider 45 years and more to be practically the pre-retirement age.

Women who have overcome the forty-year threshold are ready to give up on themselves. Many older ladies abuse alcohol and smoking, stop caring for themselves. As a result, a woman loses her attractiveness, quickly aging. Subsequently, psychological problems arise that aggravate the situation. If a woman or a man feels really old, then no adjustments in the classification of a person’s age according to WHO are able to change the situation.

In this case, the patient needs high-quality timely assistance from a professional psychologist. Experts recommend reconsidering life and finding a new meaning in it. It can be a hobby, work, caring for loved ones, travel. A change of scenery, positive emotions, a healthy lifestyle contribute to an improvement in the emotional state and, as a result, an increase in life expectancy.

As for the male part of the population, it is also prone to depression. As a result, representatives of the strong half of humanity in middle age destroy families, creating new ones with young girls. According to psychologists, in this way men try to keep the passing years.

Now the midlife crisis on average occurs about 50 years, increasing from year to year. A few decades ago, its peak was 35 years.

It is worth noting that the country of residence, economic and environmental situation, mentality and other factors affect the psycho-emotional state.

According to previous studies, the real age gradation and periodization is different. Residents of European countries consider the end of youth at 50 +/-2 years. In Asian countries, many 55-year-olds feel young and not ready to retire. The same applies to residents of a number of states in America.

The classification of ages adopted by the World Health Organization is a generalized indicator that changes with a certain interval. Based on them, you can prepare the body for subsequent senile changes, reorient yourself in time, find a hobby, etc.

In each case, the gradation should take into account the individual characteristics of a person. Modern medical equipment and technologies make it possible to keep the body in good shape for many years.