Dictionary

The World Health Organization is a United Nations agency. Based in Geneva, it is concerned with matters of public health on an international level. Its objective is to obtain the highest possible level of health for all people worldwide. Health is understood here as being a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. To reach this aim the WHO develops guidelines and standards in health-related areas, coordinates activities in the fight against infectious diseases, launches global vaccination programs and analyzes health and disease data worldwide. More information is available at www.who.int.