International Health Under the United Nations (UN)

By Abdulla Israr & Simran Rani

International Health under the United Nations (UN)

Introduction

·       International health under the United Nations is primarily managed by specialized agencies that promote global health security, coordinate responses to epidemics, support research, and assist countries in strengthening their health systems.

·       The World Health Organization (WHO) is the lead agency for international health matters.

UN Agencies Involved in International Health

1. World Health Organization (WHO)

  • Established: 7 April 1948
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Parent Organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
  • Purpose: To direct and coordinate international health within the UN system

 Major Functions:

  • Providing leadership on global health matters
  • Shaping the research agenda and disseminating valuable knowledge
  • Setting norms and standards and promoting their implementation
  • Articulating ethical and evidence-based policy options
  • Monitoring and assessing health trends
  • Coordinating international response to health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola)

 Key Programs/Initiatives:

  • International Health Regulations (IHR)
  • Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Initiative
  • Global Polio Eradication Initiative
  • Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework
  • World Health Day (7th April)

WHO Regional Offices:

  • AFRO – Africa (Brazzaville, Congo)
  • AMRO/PAHO – Americas (Washington, D.C.)
  • EMRO – Eastern Mediterranean (Cairo, Egypt)
  • EURO – Europe (Copenhagen, Denmark)
  • SEARO – South-East Asia (New Delhi, India)
  • WPRO – Western Pacific (Manila, Philippines)

 2. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

  • Established: 1946
  • Headquarters: New York, USA
  • Purpose: Advocates for the rights and well-being of every child, with a focus on child health and nutrition.

Health-Related Functions:

  • Immunization campaigns (e.g., Measles, Polio)
  • Child nutrition programs (Vitamin A supplementation, breastfeeding)
  • Maternal and neonatal care
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs
  • Early childhood development

3. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

  • Established: 1969
  • Headquarters: New York, USA
  • Purpose: Supports reproductive and sexual health and population issues

Health-Related Functions:

  • Family planning and contraceptive services
  • Prevention of maternal deaths
  • Promotion of adolescent and youth sexual health
  • Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices

4. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

  • Established: 1996
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Purpose: To lead the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat

Health-Related Functions:

  • Global advocacy and leadership for the HIV response
  • Data collection, analysis, and policy advice
  • Supports testing, treatment, and preventive services
  • Works in partnership with governments, civil society, and the private sector

 5. UN Health Partnerships and Global Initiatives

 One Health Initiative

  • Collaborative effort between WHO, FAO, OIE, and UNEP
  • Recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health
  • Helps prevent zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, Avian Influenza, etc.

 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Goal 3

  • Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
  • Includes targets on:
    • Reducing maternal and child mortality
    • Ending epidemics of AIDS, TB, Malaria
    • Achieving UHC and access to medicines

 International Health Regulations (IHR 2005)

  • Legal instrument binding 196 countries to build capabilities to detect, report, and respond to public health risks
  • Strengthened after outbreaks like SARS and Ebola

Role of UN in Global Health Emergencies

  • Coordination of response (e.g., WHO’s Health Emergency Programme)
  • Mobilizing international aid and technical support
  • Disseminating accurate public health information
  • Deploying global health experts and resources

Achievements of UN in Health

  • Eradication of Smallpox (WHO-led)
  • Near eradication of Polio (Global Polio Eradication Initiative)
  • Expansion of immunization coverage
  • Significant reduction in maternal and child mortality
  • Global AIDS response coordination through UNAIDS

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