Introduction
Today, the organization has 193 member states (also part of the UN system) headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO develops strategies to guide research on global health. This approach makes it possible to set and monitor specific standards.
WHO & Un
Since its founding, the United Nations has been active in global health. WHO led the mission in April 1948 as part of the UN system. The organization gave priority to the fight against malaria, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the issues are still relevant today, with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and viral infections added over time. Additionally, WHO and the UN are studying Ebola, Zika fever, or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) (Cueto, Brown, and Fee, 2019). WHO is leading the international response to the pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In 1948, thanks to WHO, a unified classification of diseases appeared, which is still the standard for describing disease states. Since the second half of the 20th century, the organization has been the conduit for many historic advances in global health.
WHO Program: Key Points
A complex and dynamic environment adjusts WHO’s work according to the degree of complexity of the situation or region. The result of organization has no boundaries and is made up of the work of the many sectors that control the field of health (Cueto, Brown, and Fee, 2019). To address the challenges facing the Organization, the WHO work program is used in six areas: two health challenges, two strategic needs, and two operational approaches:
- In promoting development;
- In strengthening health security;
- In strengthening health systems;
- Using the results of scientific research, data, and evidence;
- In strengthening partnerships;
- Improving outcomes.
Goals of the World Health Organization
The goals that are at the center of attention and addressed by the organization include many things, among the most important are:
- Reducing morbidity and mortality, improving health during the most critical stages of life, and promoting active and healthy lifestyles in old age for all people;
- Promoting health and development, and preventing or reducing health risks associated with tobacco use, tobacco, alcohol, and drug control (Cueto, Brown, and Fee, 2019);
- Intervention through policy to create needed research programs that will increase the importance of quality health research;
- Emphasis on primary prevention and influence on public policies to address the possible health risks related to the environment;
- Improving nutrition and food safety, which are key to maintaining public health;
- Improving the quality of health services through skillful and effective leadership, financial allocation, technology, and human resources.
Having activities can help all people to be healthy and happy at all times. The clarity and structure of the WHO doctrine make it accessible to every person and organization (Cueto, Brown, and Fee, 2019). To realize all the tasks that have been assigned to the Organization will require a united effort that all governments can undertake.
Main Functions of the World Health Organization
To achieve these goals, WHO must accomplish the following tasks:
- To develop a strategy for further research to allow the collection, analysis, and dissemination of the knowledge gained;
- Establish certain norms and monitor their implementation (Cueto, Brown, and Fee, 2019);
- To provide modern technical equipment to the research center to strengthen its position as a holistic institution;
- Monitor and evaluate the health situation in each state that belongs to the WHO.
The “Pandemic” Treaty
On December 1, 2021, at a special session of the World Health Assembly, world leaders and the WHO agreed to draw up a “Pandemic Agreement” on prevention, preparation, and response to outbreaks. The main provisions of the future convention relate to giving WHO access to monitor and verify reports on the incidence of disease in different countries. The agreement commits the organization’s staff to assist in independent investigations. In February 2021, WHO experts completed a study into the source of the coronavirus in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The scientists concluded that the laboratory origin of the virus was an “unlikely scenario” but added that it was necessary to continue the investigation (Cueto, Brown, and Fee, 2019). In August, however, China refused to allow the WHO to resume work to determine the source of the disease. Biosecurity is one of the most important ways to prevent future pandemics and the emergence of animal-borne diseases (zoonoses).
The Merits of the “Pandemic” Agreement
There are many problems in the work of the international community in this area, which could be closed through a convention. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed WHO’s inability to ensure that countries comply with international medical regulations and its recommendations. It became clear that the organization lacks authority, including in dealing with the consequences of spreading infections. In addition, the global community lacks the free exchange of scientific data. The agreement calls for greater cooperation at the level of governments and “equitable distribution of vaccines and other medical resources,” the authors of the article note. This treaty is important for every nation, despite various conspiracy theories. The consequences of the treaty will be positive for global health organizations (Cueto, Brown, and Fee, 2019). This is because they will be able to fight dangerous diseases quickly and with high quality. At the same time, they can expect the newest medications and equipment to treat patients. Consequently, the effects of the agreement will allow the organizations to establish a solid foundation that will allow them to respond rapidly to new challenges.
The American Public Health Association
APHA is an organization based in the United States dedicated to bringing together healthcare professionals. Its main purpose is to influence and improve federal and state healthcare policy (Ruth and Marshall, 2017). APHA produces scientific publications that contribute to the understanding of citizens of diseases. At the same time, the organization conducts scientific research and identifies disease trends.
American Public Health Association Core Values
It is essential to note the core values that shape the work of the organization. The American Public Health Association is designed to create a community health problem-solving unit to exchange knowledge and experience. At the same time, the association’s protocols and treatments are grounded in evidence-based medicine and research. Thus, the organization acts to test and implement new ideas and technologies. One of the core values of The American Public Health Association is to provide health care to every American, independent of race or ethnicity (Ruth and Marshall, 2017). At the same time, the association is dedicated to preventing the disease’s progression and preventing the spread of epidemics by preventive means. To fulfill these objectives, the members of the association work every day, and their efforts will lead to real progress.
Near-term Goals and Growth Prospects of the American Public Health Association
It is essential to mention that the association holds annual meetings of doctors and scientists to exchange ideas and experiences. Recently, the main topics of discussion have been the Covid-19 vaccine and helping to overcome the disease. Studies will now be conducted to evaluate the effects of different vaccines on the health of Americans. At the same time, American Public Health Association plans to continue developing research in the field of substance abuse and possible ways to assist people. In the long term, the organization will open large-scale studies on the effect of stress (caused by Covid-19) on the health of citizens (Ruth and Marshall, 2017). The association also intends to publish publications with advice on maintaining mental health.
Conclusions on American Public Health Association
Thus, the organization is designed to provide a theoretical rationale and recommendations for preserving and protecting human life. Research is accompanied by considerable support from the state and the institute involved (Ruth and Marshall, 2017). This enables the use of technology and the latest equipment to combat the spread of disease. At the same time, research in epidemiology is already yielding results; for example, a trial of a vaccine for Covid-19 enabled the U.S. to stop the development of the epidemic.
The American Public Health Association is different from other organizations because it has been working to support healthcare professionals for more than 150 years. Scientific advances by specialists allow doctors to save patients’ lives. In addition to being dedicated to research and the development of drugs and technology, the association also advocates for the rights of both physicians and patients. For example, the organization ensures that patients receive quality medical care regardless of their ethnicity (Ruth and Marshall, 2017). At the same time, the American Public Health Association publishes protocols that provide social safeguards and protections for healthcare professionals.
World Medical Association
The World Medical Association (WMA) is the world’s medical parliament. An international organization, The World Medical Association (WMA) is the world’s medical parliament and international organization that represents the world’s doctors and establishes global standards for medical practice binding on The World Medical Association (WMA) is an international body representing the physicians of the world (Rheinsberg et al., 2018). The WMA was founded on September 17, 1947, at its First General Assembly in Paris (Rheinsberg et al., 2018). The organization was founded to guarantee the independence of physicians and ensure high standards for their ethical practice.
Goals and Principles of The WMA
The mission of the WMA extends throughout the world and the entire healthcare system. Its goals are to serve humanity by striving to achieve the highest international standards in medical education (Rheinsberg et al., 2018). Through this, it is possible to improve the quality of medical care provided using monitoring. Its program is universal and effective, so it should retain its status as an international organization.
The Geneva Doctors’ Oath
One of the first declarations adopted by the WMA is the Declaration of Geneva, part of which is the Geneva Doctors’ Oath. The 2nd WMA General Assembly adopted it in Geneva in September 1948 (Rheinsberg et al., 2018). The 46th Assembly adopted the final version in Stockholm (Rheinsberg et al., 2018). The Geneva Oath is a modern interpretation of the Hippocratic Oath, which reflects the ethical aspects of the doctor’s relationship with the patient and the moral and ethical qualities of the doctor. It is a worldwide standard of behavior for doctors.
Conclusion
The WMA is one of the leading organizations with a multifaceted focus. The quality control of medical services, identification of problems, and assistance in reforming the system make the association authoritative and leading in the field of medicine. The program and the broad international collaboration may interest audiences with its optionality and good purpose (Rheinsberg et al., 2018). The better the communication, the more effective the answers to the challenges of various diseases will be.
As a recommendation, I suggest that health organizations organize a program to help Third World countries. The essence is to provide access to adequate medical care for remote areas and populations at no cost. This program is relevant to governmental and non-governmental organizations because it is consistent with universal human values. Although government agencies can be more effective through diplomatic communication channels, the program is highly relevant for my target audience because it can enlist specialists to assist. Potential benefits include controlling the spread of diseases against which a vaccine has not yet been produced. My proposal fulfills every organization’s mission because the priority is not profit but people’s health. At the same time, the program is designed to expand healthcare delivery and establish new connections.
References
Cueto, M., Brown, T. M., & Fee, E. (2019) The world health organization: A history. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Ruth, B. J., & Marshall, J. W. (2017) ‘A history of social work in public health’, American journal of public health, 107(S3), pp. S236-S242.
Rheinsberg, Z. et al. (2018) ‘Medical oath: use and relevance of the Declaration of Geneva. A survey of member organizations of the World Medical Association (WMA)’, Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 21(2), pp. 189-196.