Structure, History and Issues to be covered
Critically examine the role of World Health Organisation in addressing various health issues across the world. Also write a note on India‘s participation in WHO‘s activities. (200 Words)
Role WHO played:
- In initial years, WHO applied its technical and medical expertise to initiate disease specific eradication programmes such as malaria and smallpox (1967). Later was a huge success while former was a failure.
- The adopting of Alma-Ata convention in 1978 focussing at basic needs approach with focus on primary health was a significant achievement
- Model list of essential medicines in 1977 and international code on marketing of breast milk substitutes were other achievements
- Health as significant component of MDG.
- WHO has helped countries including India in eradication polio
- Recently, WHO played major role in combating the epidemic threat of Ebola in African region. It has mobilised funding, personnel and resources for this purpose.
- WHO is now emphasizing community participation as a necessary condition for achieving high standards of health instead of hospital based healthcare is also a significant achievement. This has translated to policy changes in a number of countries.
- It provides institutional leadership in combating Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease, and mental health conditions – together with violence and injuries
India’s role in WHO
- Has donated 2.1m $ to WHO contingency fund and hence providing resources which decreases the health deficit across the world.
- By presiding the World Health assembly after 18 years, in the near future India’s role will be substantial.
- Being one of the leaders in generic drugs market and low cost vaccines, India is playing a constructive role in reducing health inequities among and within LDCs.