Why this matters now
The WHO is examined for its structure, the International Health Regulations, the ongoing pandemic-treaty negotiations, and India’s engagement — including its role as the “pharmacy of the world” and the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India.
Founding and structure
The WHO was established on 7 April 1948 (marked as World Health Day) and is headquartered in Geneva. Its decision-making body is the World Health Assembly (WHA), where all member states meet annually; an Executive Board gives effect to its decisions. The WHO sets global health standards, issues guidance, runs programmes (immunisation, disease eradication), and declares Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC).
IHR and the pandemic treaty
The International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) are the binding legal framework obliging countries to detect, report and respond to public-health risks. After COVID-19 exposed gaps, member states have been negotiating a new pandemic agreement/treaty and amendments to the IHR — covering surveillance, equitable access to vaccines and medicines, and financing — a major test of global health governance.
India and the WHO
India is an active member and a key voice for the Global South. As the “pharmacy of the world,” India supplies a large share of global generic medicines and vaccines (and led COVID supply via Vaccine Maitri and COVAX). The WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is being set up in Jamnagar, Gujarat — recognising traditional systems like Ayurveda. India pushes for equitable access and stronger health systems in WHO negotiations.
UPSC angle
Remember WHO (1948, Geneva, World Health Assembly), the IHR 2005 and PHEIC, the pandemic-treaty negotiations, and India’s role (pharmacy of the world, Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar).
Frequently asked questions
When was the WHO founded?
On 7 April 1948 (World Health Day); it is headquartered in Geneva.
What is the World Health Assembly?
The WHO’s supreme decision-making body, where all member states meet annually to set policy.
What are the International Health Regulations?
The IHR (2005) — a binding framework requiring countries to detect, report and respond to public-health risks; the WHO can declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
What is India’s role in global health at the WHO?
India is the “pharmacy of the world” (a major supplier of generics and vaccines), hosts the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, and advocates equitable access for the Global South.