WHO

The WHO (World Health Organization) is another one of UN’s specialized agencies that deals with issues regarding public health around the world. Ever since its establishment, WHO has taken a leading role in fighting infectious diseases such as small pox, STDs, and malaria, addressing the healthcare needs for many countries around the world. Furthermore, WHO is responsible for spreading the awareness of health related issues with statistics through the World Health Report and the World Health Day. Its primary concern always rests with those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable to such diseases. In order to meet their urgent needs, WHO works with many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. Some of its major accomplishments include the eradication of polio by 99%, 40% fall in the number of deaths due to tuberculosis, and facilitating reduced amount of tobacco-related deaths. The WHO also standardizes health regulations and names of medicine so that it ensures that everyone is prescribed with equal treatment anywhere around the world. There are many controversies regarding its status, however, such as the IAEA agreement WHA 12-40. In 1959, the WHO signed a mutual agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which recognized WHO as a collaborator to any program or activity that the IAEA undertakes. As a result of the Chernobyl accident, many activists have been criticizing WHO because it is believed that WHO has been restricted to look into the effects on human health due to radiation.