Definition

Proper noun An agency of the United Nations (UN) established to direct and coordinate international health work. Its primary aims are to help all peoples attain the highest possible level of health, to combat diseases, and to improve health services globally.

Usage

The term "World Health Organization" is used as a singular proper noun to refer specifically to this UN agency. It is often abbreviated as WHO.

Examples

• The World Health Organization declared the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency in 2023.
• Many countries rely on guidelines published by the World Health Organization.
• The World Health Organization is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Advanced Usage

• "WHO": This is the standard and official acronym. It is pronounced by saying each letter: "W-H-O."
  • According to the latest WHO report, vaccination rates have improved.

Variants and Related Words

• WHO: The acronym for the World Health Organization.
• World Health Assembly (WHA): The decision-making body of the World Health Organization, where all member states meet.

Synonyms

• UN health agency: A descriptive synonym highlighting its affiliation with the United Nations.

Noun

1. a United Nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services