Who we are
Hospital staff at at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2016.
We are champions for healthier, safer lives
Our team of 8000+ professionals includes the world’s leading public health experts, including doctors, epidemiologists, scientists and managers. Together, we coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies, promote well-being, prevent disease and expand access to health care. By connecting nations, people and partners to scientific evidence they can rely on, we strive to give everyone an equal chance at a safe and healthy life.
Our values
We are professionals committed to integrity and excellence in health. With a spirit of collaboration and a steadfast commitment to science, we are trusted to care for the world's health.
Our structure
WHO is an organization of 194 Member States. The Member States elect the Director-General, who leads the organization in achieving its global health goals.
Secretariat
WHO’s Secretariat includes experts, staff and field workers at our Geneva-based headquarters, 6 Regional Offices and other stations located in 150+ countries around the world.
Member States
WHO works with all Member States to support them to achieve the highest standard of health for all people. Our staff working in countries advise ministries of health and other sectors on public health issues and provide support to plan, implement and monitor health programmes.
World Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly is WHO’s highest level decision-making forum. Every year, delegates from all Member States convene at the World Health Assembly to set priorities and chart a course for global health progress.
Our leadership team
With strong connections between offices, WHO works on the front lines in 150+ locations across 6 regions. WHO’s Director-General outlines the vision and oversees all our international health work whilst our Regional Directors lead the work of
the 6 Regional Offices and their country offices. The Regional Directors work closely with the Director-General to implement strategies and programmes across all levels of the Organization.
Work with us
For information about the Association of Former WHO Staff