As April 7th was both World Health Day and the anniversary of the World Health Organisation, let’s take a moment to learn more about this vital organisation.
In an era where borders blur and journeys take us across the continent in mere hours, the World Health Organization (WHO) stands as a beacon of global health security. Its importance cannot be overstated in this context.
As travellers, we rely on the WHO to safeguard our health and well-being wherever our adventures take us.
Below, I take you through the WHO’s history and explore its vital role in keeping travellers safe and healthy worldwide. From its humble beginnings to its pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO stands as a beacon of cooperation and coordination in the face of global health threats.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) was founded on a significant date, 7 April 1948, in the aftermath of World War II. This date holds more than just historical importance-it symbolizes the WHO’s enduring commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of nationality or background, have access to the highest level of healthcare. Its introduction to the Constitution stated, “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”
The WHO acknowledged from the outset the close link between health and travel, and it aimed to fight against diseases that could spread across borders.
Dr Brock Chisholm, the WHO’s first Director-General, once famously said, “Without health, there can be no true peace or security.” This statement encapsulates the organisation’s ethos and highlights the critical role that good health plays in ensuring overall well-being and security. Chisholm’s words continue to ring true today, emphasising the importance of prioritising health as a fundamental human right.
As people started exploring new places, the World Health Organization (WHO) played a crucial role in establishing global collaboration on public health issues. By addressing diseases such as Malaria and Tuberculosis (TB) that affected travellers and communities, the organisation paved the way for a wide range of interventions that have saved countless lives over the years.
The WHO’s role in eradicating smallpox is a testament to its unwavering commitment and effectiveness. The WHO declared smallpox eradicated in 1980, the only infectious disease to achieve this distinction. This remains among the most notable and profound public health successes in history, a feat that directly benefitted travellers by eliminating a once dreaded disease from their itineraries. From Polio to Measles, the WHO-led the charge against infectious diseases, ensuring that travellers could confidently explore new destinations.
Travel has long been intertwined with the WHO’s mandate. As people travel across the globe, so too do diseases. From the threat of pandemics to the spread of infectious diseases across borders, the WHO recognises the importance of safeguarding public health during travel. By implementing comprehensive initiatives such as promoting good nutrition, sanitation practices, and improving access to healthcare, the WHO takes a holistic approach to global health, paving the way for healthier journeys worldwide.
As travellers encounter new lands and cultures, the organisation works closely with member states to develop international health regulations, ensuring that travellers are protected from health risks while facilitating the movement of people and goods. It provides guidance on vaccination requirements, disease surveillance, and outbreak response measures, collaborating with governments, airlines, and other stakeholders to promote health security in travel.
faced challenges in navigating the complex terrain of global health governance. Financial constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and geopolitical tensions sometimes impede the organisation’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging health issues.
The WHO has shown remarkable resilience in the face of challenges, including global health governance, financial constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and geopolitical tensions. It has embarked on a journey of adaptation and reform, modernising its operations and enhancing its capacity to protect travellers and communities. Initiatives such as the Heath Emergencies Programme have been implemented to bolster the organisation’s readiness to respond to crises, ensuring that travellers can access timely and effective assistance wherever they roam.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the World Health Organisation into the limelight, drawing attention from people who may not have been familiar with the organisation before. This pandemic was an unparalleled global health crisis, and the WHO took a leading role in managing the response, guiding travellers and nations through uncharted territory.
From the early days of the pandemic, the WHO worked to track the spread of the virus, provide technical assistance to countries, and accelerate the development of diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. It convened experts, hosted press briefings, and launched campaigns to raise awareness and combat misinformation, emphasising the importance of preventative measures such as hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and physical distancing.
The WHO’s adaptability and unwavering commitment to global health were highlighted during this pandemic.
As Travellers, we have a crucial role in supporting the World Health Organisation. We are indebted to its unwavering commitment to ensuring travellers can confidently explore the world, knowing that their health is in capable hands. On the organisation’s 75th Anniversary the WHO’s Director General stated:
“We have a lot to be proud of over the past seventy-five years, but it’s not the last seventy-five years that matters – it’s the next seventy-five. We learn the lessons of the past so we can apply them in the future.” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (2023)
References:
Dr O’Gostin, L. “The WHO’s 75th anniversary: WHO at a pivotal moment in history. BMJ Global Health, Vol 8 Issue 4 The WHO’s 75th anniversary: WHO at a pivotal moment in history | BMJ Global Health
Constitution Of World Health Organisation: Constitution of the World Health Organization (who.int)
Written by Amanda Howarth – April 2024
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