10 The World Health Organization (WHO or the Organization) is the specialized agency for global health within the United Nations system.
20 The Constitution of WHO was adopted on 22 July 1946, came into force on 7 April 1948 and the first World Health Assembly opened in Geneva on 24 June 1948.
30 The Constitution defines the objective of WHO as "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health".
40 WHO’s relationship with the United Nations is determined by provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitution of WHO and a formal agreement, which provides for reciprocity between the two organizations, the exchange of information, and the adoption of common administrative practices. WHO has also entered into agreements with several of the specialized agencies and has working arrangements with others.
50 WHO is a separate international organization from the United Nations. It has its own separate constitutive document, its own governing bodies, its own membership, and its own budget. While most countries are Members of the United Nations, WHO and the other specialized agencies, there are some differences in membership. As at 1 January 2011, 193 countries are members of WHO (see related content: Membership of the World Health Organization).
