Seventy years ago, on 7 April 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) was founded on the principle that health is a human right and all people should enjoy the highest standard of health. This aspiration towards better health for everyone, everywhere has guided the Organization’s work ever since.
In partnership with countries, WHO has made impressive progress in many areas that promote our health and well-being.
WHO’s Constitution comes into force and WHO takes over responsibility for the International Classification of Diseases
The era of discovery of present-day antibiotics begins and WHO starts advising countries on their responsible use
The WHO Regional Office for Europe is created, building on the work of the WHO Temporary Special Administrative Office for Health Rehabilitation of War-Devastated Countries
Polio vaccines are discovered, paving the way for WHO-facilitated global campaigns that have led to the near-eradication of poliomyelitis
Vaccine against measles becomes available
The World Health Assembly establishes the first International Health Regulations, an agreement between WHO Member States to work together to monitor and control 6 serious infectious diseases: cholera, plague, yellow fever, smallpox, relapsing fever and typhus
The Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) is created with a global mandate to carry out research into sexual and reproductive health and rights
WHO founds the Expanded Programme on Immunization to bring life-saving vaccines to children worldwide
WHO founds and begins hosting the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR). By 2016, 5 of the 8 diseases the programme was created to tackle are close to elimination
The first essential medicines list is published. This core list outlines the medicines that a basic health system needs. Each medicine is selected based on evidence for its safety, effectiveness and value for money
The International Conference on Primary Health Care, in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, sets the historic goal of “Health for All”, laying the groundwork for WHO’s current call for universal health coverage
Following an ambitious 12-year global vaccination campaign led by WHO, smallpox is eliminated
Human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS, is discovered. The first antiretroviral medication to control HIV infection and prevent it from progressing to AIDS is licensed, prompting a shift in WHO priorities.
The DOTS (directly observed treatment) strategy for reducing the toll of tuberculosis (TB) is launched. At end of 2013, more than 37 million lives had been saved through TB diagnosis and treatment under this strategy.
World leaders commit to fulfil the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
The WHO European Region is certified polio-free
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, WHO’s first global public health treaty, is adopted
The World Health Assembly revises the International Health Regulations to prevent and respond to public health threats, extending their scope beyond specific diseases
The number of children dying before their 5th birthday declines below 10 million
World Health Statistics note a global shift from infectious diseases to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)
New H1N1 influenza virus emerges. WHO collaborates with partners in developing influenza vaccines
WHO issues a menu of options for raising sufficient resources and removing financial barriers so that all people, especially those who have limited funds to spend on health care, have access to essential health services. The objective is a move towards universal health coverage
For the first time, WHO Member States set global targets to prevent and control heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other NCDs
Health 2020, the European health policy framework is adopted, giving policy-makers a vision, a strategic path, a set of priorities and a range of suggestions about what works to improve health, address health inequalities, and ensure the health of future generations in the WHO European Region
The biggest outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa occurs. WHO deploys thousands of technical experts, support staff and medical equipment to stop Ebola
The WHO European Region is declared malaria free
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are adopted
WHO announces zero cases of Ebola in West Africa. Infections with Zika virus, however, represent a public health emergency of international concern
WHO recommits to the goal of health for all through focused action towards universal health coverage
