DMPQ- . What are the objectives and functions of World health organization? Do you agree with the criticism of WHO regarding Covid-19 pandemic.

Mains Functions and Objectives of World Health Organization are:

• To act as the directing and co-ordinating authority on international health work;
• To establish and maintain effective collaboration with the United Nations, specialized agencies, governmental health administrations, professional groups and such other organizations as may be deemed appropriate;
• To assist Governments, upon request, in strengthening health services;
• To furnish appropriate technical assistance and, in emergencies, necessary aid upon the request or acceptance of Governments;
• To provide or assist in providing, upon the request of the United Nations, health services and facilities to special groups, such as the peoples of trust territories;
• To establish and maintain such administrative and technical services as may be required, including epidemiological and statistical services;
• To stimulate and advance work to eradicate epidemic, endemic and other diseases

WHO and Covid-19

For all the responsibility vested in the WHO, it has little power. Unlike international bodies such as the World Trade Organization, the WHO, which is a specialised body of the UN, has no ability to bind or sanction its members. Its annual operating budget, about $2bn in 2019, is smaller than that of many university hospitals, and split among a dizzying array of public health and research projects.

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