Context:
Donald Trump signs order to withdraw US from WHO.
World Health Organisation:
- Founded – April 7, 1948 (celebrated as World Health Day)
- Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
- Members – 194 Member States, 150 country offices, 6 regional offices
- Objectives –
- Directing and coordinating international health work
- Collaboration with the UN, specialized agencies, governmental health administrations, professional groups, and other organizations
- Assistance to governments in strengthening health services upon request
- Promotion of cooperation among scientific and professional groups contributing to health advancement
- Governance –
- World Health Assembly (WHA) – WHO’s decision-making body, held yearly in Geneva
- Secretariat – Comprises the Director-General and necessary technical and administrative staff
- Director-General – Appointed by the Health Assembly on the Board’s nomination
- Membership Criteria –
- United Nations Membership: Any member of the United Nations can become a member of the WHO.
- Associate Membership: Territories or groups of territories that are not responsible for the conduct of their international relations can be admitted as Associate Members by the Health Assembly.
- Countries must apply for membership and be approved by the World Health Assembly.
- Members must accept the WHO Constitution and commit to its principles and objectives.
- How a Nation Loses Its Membership
- Voluntary Withdrawal: A member state can voluntarily withdraw from the WHO by notifying the Director-General of its decision. This process typically requires a 1-year notice period.
- Non-Payment of Dues: Failure to pay assessed contributions can lead to suspension of voting rights and other privileges, but it does not automatically result in loss of membership.
- Non-Compliance with WHO Regulations: Persistent non-compliance with WHO regulations and guidelines can lead to sanctions, but expulsion is rare.
Source: ET
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organization.
2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
