Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It aims to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
Related terms
Public Health: This refers to the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting human health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, communities, and individuals.
Epidemiology: This is the study and analysis of the distribution (who, when, and where), patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
Pandemic: A pandemic is an epidemic occurring on a scale that crosses international boundaries, usually affecting a large number of people.