WHO has been working to strengthen people’s health and well-being for 75 years. This includes giving as many people as possible good access to quality health care, and preventing and combating disease. Switzerland is a founding member of WHO and hosts its headquarters in Geneva.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. It is the lead multilateral health agency within the United Nations. It is charged with guiding international public health activities, helping to shape health research, setting standards and criteria, making empirically based policy proposals, providing technical support to countries, and tracking and assessing current trends in public health. Switzerland is a respected member of the WHO. With its very good healthcare system, world-leading research institutes and as a location for innovative pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology companies, it can make an important contribution to strengthening global healthcare. As a full member, Switzerland participates in the World Health Assembly (WHA) like all other 193 member states. She actively contributes her interests there with her voice. The WHA is the supreme decision-making body of the WHO. It determines the policies of the organization, appoints the Director General, oversees the financial policies of the organization, and reviews and approves the proposed program budget. Switzerland has a seat on the WHO Executive Board from May 2023 to May 2026 with Ambassador Nora Kronig.
However, WHO cannot impose measures on its member states. All three are free to make adjustments to existing regulations. Accordingly, Switzerland is also free to decide whether or not to sign WHO instruments. Currently, WHO is focusing on the adaptation of international health regulations and a convention on pandemic preparedness, prevention and response. After all, the COVID-19 pandemic in particular demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and coordination during cross-border health crises. This requires binding rules and a multilateral forum such as the WHO.
InFo ONKOLOGIE & HÄMATOLOGIE 2023; 21(3): 40
