This July marks 80 years since representatives from 61 countries signed the constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) in New York City. Its founders recognized that infectious diseases cross borders and that lasting global health progress depends on international cooperation.
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Over the past eight decades, the WHO has worked with more than 190 member states and global health partners to eradicate smallpox, accelerate the fight to eliminate polio, expand access to life-saving vaccines and coordinate the global response to HIV. The organization has also strengthened health-care systems, established international health standards and helped save millions of lives through improved tobacco control, water and air quality, sanitation and disease prevention.
These achievements have transformed public health worldwide. On average, people now live more than 25 years longer than they did 80 years ago. Fewer women die during pregnancy and childbirth, while more children survive and reach their fifth birthday in good health.
These gains are rooted in one essential principle: international cooperation is more effective than isolation. Health emergencies unfolding this year demonstrate why the WHO’s founding vision remains vital.
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The Ebola outbreak in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, rising measles cases across the Americas and the recently concluded hantavirus outbreak show that emerging health threats can occur anywhere and affect people everywhere. The COVID-19 pandemic—the most serious global health crisis in a century—also demonstrated that no country can manage a major health emergency alone.
The WHO’s unique strength is its ability to unite health leaders, researchers, scientists and international partners around shared challenges. It develops global health standards, coordinates emergency responses and supports evidence-based solutions. That role was reinforced last year when member states adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The treaty applies lessons from COVID-19 to promote a more equitable global response and improve preparedness for future pandemics.
International cooperation must be matched by stronger national capacity to prevent and respond to health emergencies. The WHO’s Universal Health and Preparedness Review helps countries identify weaknesses in their emergency preparedness and response systems. Through the Pandemic Fund, the WHO and the World Bank have supported projects in 70 countries to improve disease surveillance, laboratory networks, health workforces and coordination across sectors.
Source: www.nature.com