10 WHO applies Results-Based Management (RBM) as a strategic approach to planning, budgeting, and managing that focuses on achieving measurable results—specifically outputs, outcomes, and impacts—rather than simply tracking activities or inputs. This approach ensures that the programme budget is structured with clear targets, results, and resource allocations aligned to organizational goals, thereby enhancing accountability and effectiveness in delivering public health outcomes.
20 The WHO results framework complements this approach by providing a systematic and structured method to define, organize, and assess the expected impacts, outcomes, and outputs of WHO’s work. It establishes a clear and logical connection between inputs, activities, and the resultant health improvements, ensuring that every action contributes meaningfully to the overarching goals of the Organization.
30 Impact refers to the improvement in the health and well-being of people that WHO aims to contribute to globally. These are the ultimate goals, such as increased life expectancy, reduced disease burden, or improved well-being. They represent a shared responsibility between WHO, Member States, and partners.
40 Outcomes are the medium-term results that reflect changes in behavior, systems, or conditions resulting from WHO’s and partners’ efforts. They are more specific than impacts and may be aligned with globally recognized health priorities and strategies. Outcomes are jointly owned by WHO and Member States and are tracked using outcome indicators.
50 Outputs are the immediate results of—what the WHO Secretariat delivers directly. Outputs are the responsibility of the Secretariat. They are delivered with the purpose of influencing, enabling, and catalyzing the collective actions required from Member States, the Secretariat, and partners to achieve the jointly owned outcomes. Outputs are measured using output indicators, which assess the WHO Secretariat’s performance and contribution to outcomes and impact.
60 Activities are the specific actions, tasks, or interventions undertaken by WHO to deliver products and services that contribute to the outputs. These can include for example technical assistance, research, convening stakeholders, and developing tools or policies, and more. Activities are not always individually tracked in the public results framework but are essential for delivering outputs. They are planned and budgeted in the operational planning within the programme budget and aligned with the results chain.
70 Inputs are the financial, human and material resources that are needed to deliver activities.
80 WHO's results framework ensures accountability for achieving the results outlined in the GPW. It aligns contributions of the three levels of the Organization through the results framework, linking strategic planning, operational planning, and performance monitoring and assessment.
