April 7th is known as World Health Day. This year marks an important milestone for the World Health Organization as it is 75 years old. The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a vital role in managing and coordinating initiatives related to international health.
This year the campaign that the WHO has launched is titled “Health For All.” Furthermore, the World Health Organization is looking back on how far they have come. While also looking forward to the health challenges people face today.
In this article, we will look back on the successful global health initiatives and milestones the World Health Organization has achieved
The Beginnings
In April 1945, diplomats all met up to form the United Nations. They discussed many things including setting up a global health organization. Health was significant during the time since many people had suffered due to the horrors of World War 2.
It wasn’t until April 7th, 1948, that the WHO was finally set up and signed. Thus, this is the date that everyone celebrates each year. We all celebrate all the hard and good work the organization has done around the world.
The Incredible Work Of The WHO
There is no denying that the World Health Organization has done a lot of good work over the years. My BioSource took it upon themselves to delve into and look at all the amazing work that the organization has been able to achieve over the years.
Below are the main milestones and achievements the WHO has accomplished.
Smallpox Eradication Program
In 1967, the WHO created the Smallpox Eradication Program. This program was completed all around the world. Overall, this was an intense initiative, which eventually in 1980 resulted in the complete eradication of smallpox.
This was the first time any human disease had been removed worldwide. It is seen as a huge milestone and accomplishment for the organization.
Global Polio Elimination
In 1988, just 8 years after smallpox was eradicated, the polio eradication initiative was created. My BioSource has discovered that the number of cases of polio that were reported today is down by 99%. This is another great achievement for the WHO.
With this being said, polio hasn’t been eradicated worldwide. It is known that in 2021, there was a poliovirus naturally occurring in Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the WHO still has hopes to completely eradicate polio one day.
Tobacco Control
An international agreement called the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) aims to lower the supply and demand for tobacco products. This agreement was first established in 2003.
It has been approved by 168 nations and is binding in 182 nations.
Ebola Control
Over 11,000 people died as a result of the West African Ebola outbreak, which was then successfully contained by the WHO. The group assisted in strengthening the capacity for surveillance and response in the impacted nations. They offered technical support and coordinated international efforts.
COVID-19 Support
The WHO has led the international effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by offering advice, materials, and support to nations all around the world. Through the COVAX initiative, the organization has also made a substantial contribution to the creation and distribution of vaccinations.
An expert from MyBioSource explains that through the help from the WHO, they have been able to offer “coronavirus products including antibodies, PCR, ELISA Kits, and molecular biology products, antigens, and recombinant proteins. These are part of our growing portfolio of coronavirus products to help move research forward.”
These products offer more evidence and support to help the organization control and slowly eliminate the disease.
Improving The Health Of Children And Women
This plan intends to reduce preventable deaths and enhance the health and well-being of women, kids, and teenagers. A life-course approach is essential, and the strategy places a strong emphasis on equality and human rights.
This is one of the WHO’s latest initiatives since it started in 2016 and there are more plans in place until 2030.
Final Thoughts
The World Health Organization since its creation, has long made great strides in improving the health of people all around the world. They have successfully created various initiatives which have led to the complete elimination of certain diseases.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the organization’s creation. There are a lot of reasons to be thankful for all the good work the organization has done.
We hope this article has been informative and shown you all the reasons why we should be celebrating the World Health Organization.
