The World Health Organization is the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations’ system. WHO:
provides leadership on matters critical to health and engages in partnerships where joint action is needed;
shapes the research agenda and stimulates the generation, translation and dissemination of valuable knowledge;
sets norms and standards and promoting and monitors their implementation;
articulates ethical and evidence-based policy options;
provides technical support, catalysing change, and builds sustainable institutional capacity; and
monitors the health situation and assesses health trends.
