List of WHO regions

List of WHO Regions

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO was established on 7 April 1948. Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization is divided into regions, each with its own regional office. These regions are a fundamental aspect of WHO's structure, allowing for a more localized approach to public health issues. This article provides an overview of the WHO regions, including their respective countries and territories.

WHO Regions

The World Health Organization divides the world into six regions, each with its own regional office. These regions are:

African Region (AFRO)

The African Region covers the majority of the African continent. It is one of the largest WHO regions in terms of the number of countries. The regional office for Africa is located in Brazzaville, Congo.

Region of the Americas (PAHO)

The Region of the Americas, also known as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), includes countries in North, South, and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. The regional office is in Washington, D.C., United States.

South-East Asia Region (SEARO)

The South-East Asia Region includes countries located on the Indian subcontinent and nearby areas. The regional office for South-East Asia is in New Delhi, India.

European Region (EURO)

The European Region encompasses countries in Europe, as well as Israel. The regional office for Europe is in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO)

The Eastern Mediterranean Region includes countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa. The regional office is in Cairo, Egypt.

Western Pacific Region (WPRO)

The Western Pacific Region covers countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific. The regional office for the Western Pacific is in Manila, Philippines.

Purpose and Activities

Each WHO region works towards the organization's overarching goal of building a better, healthier future for people all over the world. They do this by monitoring public health risks, promoting health and well-being, and coordinating responses to health emergencies. Regional offices play a crucial role in tailoring WHO's global initiatives to fit the specific needs of their respective regions.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the regional structure allows for a more localized approach to health issues, it has also faced criticism. Challenges include disparities in health conditions and resources among countries within the same region, as well as differences in the effectiveness of regional offices.

See Also

• World Health Organization
• Public Health
• Global Health

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