In 1948, countries came together to heal a bloodied world and turn the page on history's deadliest conflict.
After years of war, mistrust and pain, nations raised the physical and mental well-being of people to a new level and established a global compact and goal to safeguard and promote health for all.
This noble sentiment became a practical reality 75 years ago with the entry into force of the Constitution of the World Health Organization and the founding of WHO as the specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting human health.
The organization was given the specific mandate to advance the well-being of all people and the unique ability to bring all its partners and all governments together around the same table.
As the WHO celebrates its 75th anniversary on World Health Day, April 7, this mandate and convening power remain in full force.
At the same time, the world needs a renewed commitment to make the health of everyone, from our grandparents to our present and future children, the top priority.
Covid 19, conflict, climate change and ill-health-causing commercial interests such as harmful food and tobacco are effective reminders of how fragile our lives are and how, without constant commitment to improve well-being, collectively, the fate of vulnerable communities around the world will continue to be in jeopardy.
An essential phrase of the WHO Constitution declares that "the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political ideology, or economic or social condition."
This principle has guided the work of WHO, aimed at promoting, providing and protecting the health of all and for all.
The achievements have been many.
Among the best known is the eradication of the ancient plague of smallpox.
Today, the world is on the verge of eradicating polio as well, cases of which have fallen by 99.9% since the 1980s. Other successes include the near elimination of five tropical diseases, near universal childhood vaccination, and the establishment of global criteria for the safety of drinking water.
In addition, the World Health Organization has helped countries adopt a landmark tobacco control treaty, regulate aggressive advertising of replacement milk, and report on health emergencies with the potential to spread globally.
It has also played a catalytic role in the development and delivery of the first Ebola and malaria vaccines, which are now saving lives across Africa.
His work in humanitarian contexts has provided vital assistance to millions of people.
The list is even longer.
In its 75th anniversary, the organization and the countries that created it have much to be proud of.
But there are still great challenges.
Covid has shown that, as a global community, we are as safe from the threat of a pandemic as the least prepared country.
Huge numbers of people do not have access to quality, affordable healthcare, and suffer from health problems that could be prevented or treated.
The problems of the contemporary world aggravate this situation.
This is the case of the effects of the climate crisis, which endangers millions of people due to floods and drought, accelerated air pollution and baseless misinformation that interferes with people's decisions about health. .
Other threats to the well-being of the population are the consequence of factors that are not strictly sanitary, such as economic and commercial conflicts.
To meet these challenges, WHO has been changing and adapting to better fulfill its mission today and in the next 75 years.
Our work focuses on five areas: improving the level of health of all people;
guarantee universal and equal access to quality and affordable health services;
protect the world from new and known pathogens;
enhance science and scientific information for health and strengthen WHO so that it can respond to current and future demands.
In the wake of covid, we are supporting countries in negotiating a historic agreement on pandemics, based on the WHO Constitution, to prevent and react to future global health crises.
Countries have also begun to amend the International Health Regulations to adapt them to a post-covid world, and to strengthen the organization's financial, operational and governance foundation for a safe and healthy world.
The reasons for adopting these measures are clear.
Covid reversed progress in achieving the health-related sustainable development goals and caused untold human, social and economic losses.
So we must make up lost ground by redoubling efforts to make universal health coverage a reality for all, with primary care at the forefront, and by strengthening national and global systems, from cutting-edge surveillance to investing in preparedness of countries, in order to achieve a more secure world.
WHO's work is underpinned by science and evidence.
Data-driven planning remains a key part of the organization's work, helping itself and countries to invest resources where health needs are greatest.
Access to evidence-based advice helps people make sound health decisions.
This is a fundamental aspect today, since, as the covid has shown, misinformation has made decision-making difficult, in extreme cases with deadly consequences.
WHO has modified its procedures to carry out its work effectively on all these fronts, and others, with the clear priority of having a positive impact at the community level.
Today, 75 years later and after a new virus demonstrated how vulnerable the world remains, WHO is as vital as ever.
If it had not been created so many years ago, we would have to create it today.
So, on your anniversary, I thank all countries and partners for your commitment to lay the foundations of the World Health Organization in 1948 and to continue to strengthen it for a healthier, safer, and just future for all.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
is Director General of the World Health Organization.
Translation of News Clips.
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