10th Class Chapter No 2 - World Health Organisation (WHO) in civics for ICSE

It is the specialised agency for health establishment on 7th April, 1948 with the objective of achieving the highest possible level of health for all. Its headquarters is at Geneva in Switzerland. Its main aim is to help the Government raise the standards of public health and medical research.

Functions of WHO

The functions of WHO are as follows:

1. It helps countries to improve their health system by building up infrastructure.
2. It gives important drugs needed for medical care. It launches programmes to immunise children against 6 major diseases – Malaria, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Polio and Whooping cough.
3. It promotes research to cure and prevent diseases.
4. It works towards providing safe drinking water and adequate waste disposal.
5. It organises conferences, seminars and training activities for health care personnel.
6. It aims at fighting diseases and preventing them from spreading.
7. It publishes health journals to create health consciousness among people.

Achievements of WHO

Some of the achievements of WHO in the field of health are as follows:

1. 80% of immunisation coverage has been achieved.
2. Significant reduction in Diarrhoeal deaths.
3. Rare occurrences of Cholera and Plague.
4. Eradication of Smallpox.
5. Management of Leprosy etc.

   It was established on 4th November 1946, with the main objective to contribute to peace and security in the world, by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication. Its headquarters is at Paris.

   Functions of UNESCO

   The main functions of UNESCO are as follows:

   1. Removal of illiteracy by encouraging adult education, distance education and open school education.
   2. Financial assistance for the education of disabled children. It also lays special emphasis on the education of women and girls.
   3. Encouragement of scientific education by providing regional training centres.
   4. Advices about the production of text books, syllabus and teacher-training.
   5. Helps to set-up library systems and also gives fellowships.