What it means
A body of the United Nations, founded in 1948, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It sets health standards and guidelines, tracks disease outbreaks around the world, leads vaccine programs, and publishes tools such as the Surgical Safety Checklist and the pain relief ladder. It defines health as complete physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | WHO |
|---|---|
| Spanish | Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) |
Related terms
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The United States government agency that studies disease and sets national guidance on preventing and controlling it.