Full History Of World Health Organization In Timeline From 1902

1902: Foundation of the Pan-American Sanitary Bureau

In 1902, the Pan-American Sanitary Bureau was founded, contributing to international health efforts.

1907: Foundation of the Office International d'Hygiène Publique

In 1907, the Office International d'Hygiène Publique was founded, marking another step in international collaboration on public health issues.

1912: Republic of China Government

In 1912, the Republic of China (ROC), whose government controlled Mainland China from 1912 to 1949.

1920: Establishment of the Health Organization of the League of Nations

In 1920, the Health Organization of the League of Nations was established, further solidifying international health cooperation efforts.

1938: End of the International Sanitary Conferences

In 1938, the International Sanitary Conferences (ISC), a series of conferences addressing epidemic diseases, concluded after running for approximately 87 years.

1945: Discussion on creating an international health organization

In 1945, during the United Nations Conference on International Organization, delegates discussed creating an international health organization under the UN's auspices.

1945: Taiwan under Republic of China Control

In 1945, the Republic of China currently controls Taiwan since 1945 following World War II, was the founding member of WHO since its inception and had represented "China" in the organization.

July 1946: Signing of the WHO Constitution

In July 1946, the constitution of the World Health Organization was signed by the original members of United Nations and other countries.

1947: WHO established epidemiological information service

In 1947, the WHO established an epidemiological information service via telex to improve the monitoring and response to disease outbreaks.

April 7, 1948: Establishment of the WHO

On April 7, 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) was established, marking a pivotal moment in global health governance and cooperation.

April 1948: WHO Constitution comes into force

On April 7, 1948, the WHO Constitution came into force, ratified by the 26th member state, marking the first World Health Day.

July 1948: First World Health Assembly concludes

In July 1948, the first meeting of the World Health Assembly concluded, securing a budget of US$5 million for 1949 and appointing key leadership figures.

September 1, 1948: Formal commencement of WHO's work

On September 1, 1948, the World Health Organization formally began its work, inheriting responsibilities and resources from the League of Nations' Health Organization and the Office International d'Hygiène Publique.

1949: Republic of China Government

In 1949, the Republic of China (ROC), whose government controlled Mainland China from 1912 to 1949.

1949: Soviet Union quits the WHO

In 1949, the Soviet Union and its constituent republics quit the WHO over the organization's unwillingness to share the penicillin recipe.

1949: Creation of Regional Divisions

In 1949, the WHO began creating its regional divisions, based on article 44 of the WHO's constitution.

1949: Budget secured for the WHO

In 1949, the World Health Organization secured a budget of US$5 million, to control malaria, tuberculosis and STIs.

1950: Mass tuberculosis inoculation drive

In 1950, a mass tuberculosis inoculation drive using the BCG vaccine commenced, marking a significant effort to combat the spread of tuberculosis.

1951: Significant infusion of resources

In 1951, the WHO's work began in earnest following a significant infusion of financial and technical resources, allowing the organization to expand its operations and address global health challenges more effectively.

1952: Creation of Regional Divisions

By 1952, the WHO had finished creating its regional divisions, following the model of the pre-existing Pan American Health Organization.

1955: Launch of malaria eradication programme

In 1955, the malaria eradication program was launched by the WHO, later modified to focus on malaria control in most areas.

1956: Soviet Union rejoins the WHO

In 1956, the Soviet Union and its constituent republics returned to the WHO after quitting in 1949.

1958: Call for global smallpox eradication initiative

In 1958, Viktor Zhdanov, Deputy Minister of Health for the USSR, called on the World Health Assembly to undertake a global initiative to eradicate smallpox.

1959: WHO signs Agreement WHA 12-40 with IAEA

In 1959, the WHO signed Agreement WHA 12–40 with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), outlining collaboration between the two organizations.

1961: Mandate Under Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs

In 1961, WHO was mandated under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to carry out scientific assessments of substances for international drug control.

1965: First report on diabetes mellitus and creation of IARC

In 1965, the first report on diabetes mellitus was released, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) was created.

1966: WHO moved headquarters

In 1966, the WHO moved its headquarters from the Ariana wing at the Palace of Nations to a newly constructed headquarters in Geneva.

1966: WHO Headquarters Inaugurated

In 1966, the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, designed by Swiss architect Jean Tschumi, was inaugurated.

1967: Intensified global smallpox eradication campaign

In 1967, the WHO intensified the global smallpox eradication campaign by contributing $2.4 million annually to the effort and adopting a new disease surveillance method.

1971: End of Republic of China Participation

In 1971, the Republic of China participation at WHO meetings ended due to diplomatic pressure from the PRC following the election in 2016.

1971: Mandate Under Convention on Psychotropic Substances

In 1971, WHO was mandated under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances to carry out scientific assessments of substances for international drug control.

1971: UN Resolution 2758 and Representation of China

In 1971, the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 had the representation of "China" handed over to the People's Republic of China (PRC), and led to the expulsion of the Republic of China from WHO and other UN bodies.

1972: WHO helps contain the last European outbreak of smallpox

In 1972, the WHO helped contain the last European outbreak of smallpox in Yugoslavia.

1974: Launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization and the control programme of onchocerciasis

In 1974, the Expanded Programme on Immunization and the control program of onchocerciasis was started, an important partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank.

1974: Request from the WHA for an intensive effort to develop improved control of tropical diseases

In 1974, the WHA requested an intensive effort to develop improved control of tropical diseases.

1975: Launch of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

In 1975, the WHO launched the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical diseases (the TDR).

1976: WHA resolution on disability prevention and rehabilitation

In 1976, the WHA enacted a resolution on disability prevention and rehabilitation, with a focus on community-driven care.

1977: First list of essential medicines drawn up

In 1977, the first list of essential medicines was drawn up by the WHO, marking a step to provide access to medicines.

1978: Declaration of 'Health For All'

In 1978, the ambitious goal of "Health For All" was declared, setting a target for global health improvement.

1979: Smallpox declared eradicated

In 1979, a Global Commission declared that smallpox had been eradicated – the first disease in history to be eliminated by human effort.

1981: Adoption of International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

In 1981, the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes was adopted.

1983: Murray Eden Awarded WHO Medical Society Medal

In 1983, Murray Eden was awarded the WHO Medical Society medal for his work as consultant on research and development for WHO's director-general.

1983: Publication of Entre Nous Magazine

Since 1983, the Division of Noncommunicable Diseases for Promoting Health through the Reproductive Health has published the magazine, Entre Nous, across Europe.

1986: WHO began its global programme on HIV/AIDS

In 1986, the WHO began its global program on HIV/AIDS to address the growing epidemic.

1988: Launch of Global Polio Eradication Initiative

In 1988, WHO launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to eradicate polio.

1988: Establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative

In 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was established, marking a major effort to eliminate polio worldwide.

1990: Decline in Tuberculosis Deaths

Between 1990 and 2010, WHO's work contributed to a 40% decline in the number of deaths from tuberculosis.

1995: Establishment of the ICCDE

In 1995, the WHO established an independent International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication (ICCDE).

1996: Formation of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

In 1996, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) was formed, to fight the AIDS pandemic.

1998: WHO director-general highlighted gains in child survival

In 1998, the WHO's director-general highlighted gains in child survival, reduced infant mortality, increased life expectancy and reduced rates of "scourges" such as smallpox and polio on the fiftieth anniversary of WHO's founding.

1999: Terms for Regional Directors

Since 1999, regional directors serve for a once-renewable five-year term and typically begin their position on February 1st.

2000: Creation of the Stop TB Partnership

In 2000, the Stop TB Partnership was created, marking a collaborative effort to combat tuberculosis globally.

2001: Formation of the Measles Initiative

In 2001, the Measles Initiative was formed, credited with significantly reducing global deaths from measles.

2002: WHO Collaboration with NGOs

As of 2002, a total of 473 nongovernmental organizations (NGO) had some form of partnership with WHO.

2002: Creation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

In 2002, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was drawn up to improve the resources available.

2002: SARS epidemic

In 2002, the WHO started gaining experience from the SARS epidemic.

2003: Adoption of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

In 2003, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was adopted.

2003: WHO Denounces Opposition to Condom Use

In 2003, the WHO denounced the Roman Curia's health department's opposition to the use of condoms, emphasizing the danger of incorrect statements about condoms and HIV in the face of a global pandemic.

2004: Regional Director Appointment Process

As of 2004, the WHO board had never overruled a regional committee's preference for a regional director appointment.

2005: Revision of International Health Regulations

In 2005, the WHO revised the International Health Regulations (IHR) in light of emerging health threats and the experience of the 2002/3 SARS epidemic, authorizing WHO to declare a health threat a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

2005: Treatment of Millions for Tuberculosis

Since 2005, over 46 million people have been treated for tuberculosis, and an estimated 7 million lives have been saved through practices advocated by the WHO.

2006: WHO endorsed the world's first official HIV/AIDS Toolkit for Zimbabwe

In 2006, the WHO endorsed the world's first official HIV/AIDS Toolkit for Zimbabwe, which formed the basis for global prevention, treatment, and support the plan to fight the AIDS pandemic.

2006: WHO launches the Global action plan for influenza vaccines

In 2006, the WHO launched the Global action plan for influenza vaccines to improve prevention and preparedness.

January 2007: Margaret Chan's Tenure Begins

In January 2007, Margaret Chan began her tenure as the director-general of the World Health Organization.

2007: Measles initiative reduces deaths by 68%

By 2007, the Measles initiative was credited with reducing global deaths from the disease by 68%.

2007: Weekly vigil in front of WHO headquarters

From 2007 to 2017, Independent WHO held a weekly vigil in front of WHO headquarters.

2007: WHO Organized Work on Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Development

In 2007, the WHO organized work on pandemic influenza vaccine development through clinical trials in collaboration with many experts and health officials.

April 2009: H1N1 Influenza Virus Pandemic Declared

In April 2009, the then director-general Margaret Chan declared a pandemic involving the H1N1 influenza virus.

May 2009: Republic of China Invited to World Health Assembly

In May 2009, the Department of Health of the Republic of China was invited by the WHO to attend the 62nd World Health Assembly as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".

September 2009: PAHO/AMRO Policy on Research for Health Approved

In September 2009, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/AMRO) became the first region to develop and pass a policy on research for health.

2009: Criticism of Catholic Church's Position on Contraception

As of 2009, the Catholic Church remained opposed to increasing the use of contraception to combat HIV/AIDS, prompting condemnation from the World Health Assembly president.

2009: Taiwan Participates as Observer

From 2009 to 2016, the government of Taiwan was allowed to participate under the designation "Chinese Taipei" as an observer.

2009: Previous Budget

In 2009, the WHO operated on a previous budget before the 2012-2013 budget, against which future spending was compared.

2009: WHO Interim Tasks to Reduce HIV Infections and Deaths

In line with UNAIDS, WHO set itself the interim task between 2009 and 2015 of reducing the number of those aged 15–24 years who are infected by 50%; reducing new HIV infections in children by 90%; and reducing HIV-related deaths by 25%.

2010: WHO Representative Nationalities

As of 2010, the only WHO Representative outside Europe to be a national of that country was for Libya.

2010: Decline in Tuberculosis Deaths

Between 1990 and 2010, WHO's work contributed to a 40% decline in the number of deaths from tuberculosis.

2010: H1N1 Pandemic Moves Into Post-Pandemic Period

In 2010, Margret Chan declared that the H1N1 pandemic had moved into the post-pandemic period.

2010: Adoption of Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel

In 2010, the Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel was adopted.

2010: Previous Budget

In 2010, the WHO operated on a previous budget before the 2012-2013 budget, against which future spending was compared.

2011: Working to Immunize Young Children and Prevent Polio Re-emergence

As of 2011, the WHO was working to immunize young children and prevent the re-emergence of cases in countries declared "polio-free".

2011: World Health Day Focuses on Drug Resistance

In 2011, World Health Day focused on drug resistance.

July 4, 2012: Reports of Discrepancies in FCTC Implementation Database

On July 4, 2012, researchers reported numerous discrepancies between the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) implementation database and national implementation reports.

2012: World Health Day Focuses on Healthy Ageing

In 2012, World Health Day focused on healthy ageing.

2012: Largest Annual Assessed Contributions

In 2012, the United States was the largest contributor with $110 million, followed by Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.

2012: WHO Estimates of Deaths Due to Unhealthy Environments

In 2012, the WHO estimated that 12.6 million people died as a result of living or working in an unhealthy environment.

2012: WHO Budget Focus on Communicable Diseases

The 2012–2013 WHO budget identified five areas among which funding was distributed, two of those five areas related to communicable diseases.

December 2013: MiNDbank Database Launched

In December 2013, the WHO launched MiNDbank, a new database as part of the QualityRights initiative, aiming to end human rights violations against people with mental health conditions.

2013: 2012–2013 Budget Proposed

In 2013, the combined 2012-2013 budget proposed a total expenditure of $3,959 million, with $944 million coming from assessed contributions, marking a decrease from the previous budget.

2013: Rebuilding WHO Capacity for Direct Action

In 2013, the program was aimed at rebuilding WHO capacity for direct action, which critics said had been lost due to budget cuts in the previous decade that had left the organization in an advisory role dependent on member states for on-the-ground activities.

2013: WHO Budget Focus on Communicable Diseases

The 2012–2013 WHO budget identified five areas among which funding was distributed, two of those five areas related to communicable diseases.

May 2014: Polio Declared a World Health Emergency

On 5 May 2014, WHO announced that the spread of polio was a world health emergency.

August 2014: Ebola Declared a Public Health Emergency

On 8 August 2014, WHO declared that the spread of Ebola was a public health emergency.

2014: Criticism of WHO After Ebola Outbreak

Following the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the organization was heavily criticized for its bureaucracy, insufficient financing, regional structure, and staffing profile.

2014: Release of Global Atlas of Palliative Care

In 2014, WHO released the Global Atlas of Palliative Care at the End of Life in a joint publication with the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance.

2014: World Health Day Focuses on Vector-Borne Diseases

In 2014, World Health Day focused on vector-borne diseases.

2015: WHO Focus on Economic and Social Effects of HIV/AIDS

As of 2015, the World Health Organization has worked within the UNAIDS network and strives to involve sections of society other than health to help deal with the economic and social effects of HIV/AIDS.

2015: Director-General Announced a Contingency Fund

At the annual World Health Assembly in 2015, Director-General Margaret Chan announced a $100 million Contingency Fund for rapid response to future emergencies.

2015: Billions Spent on Ebola and Zika Epidemics

In comparison, billions of dollars have been spent by developed countries on the 2013–2016 Ebola epidemic and 2015–16 Zika epidemic.

April 2016: Contingency Fund for Rapid Response

By April 2016, WHO had received $26.9 million for its $100 million Contingency Fund for rapid response to future emergencies.

2016: Taiwan No Longer Invited as Observer

From 2009 to 2016, the government of Taiwan was allowed to participate under the designation "Chinese Taipei" as an observer, but has not been invited again since.

2016: End of Republic of China Participation

In 2016, the Republic of China participation at WHO meetings ended due to diplomatic pressure from the PRC following the election.

2016: Formation of the World Health Emergencies programme

In 2016, following the perceived failure of the response to the West Africa Ebola outbreak, the World Health Emergencies programme was formed.

2016: WHO's Travel Expenses and Margaret Chan's Stay

In 2016, it was reported that the WHO spends approximately $200 million annually on travel expenses. During this year, Director-General Margaret Chan stayed in a $1000-per-night hotel room while visiting West Africa.

2016: Conclusion of the Global Action Plan for Influenza Vaccines

In 2016, the Global Action Plan for Influenza Vaccines ended, with a report concluding that the world was still not prepared for an influenza pandemic despite progress.

2016: WHO Drafts Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV

In 2016, the World Health Organization drafted a global health sector strategy on HIV, outlining its commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 with interim targets for the year 2020, including actions for countries and the WHO to take.

2016: Billions Spent on Ebola and Zika Epidemics

In comparison, billions of dollars have been spent by developed countries on the 2013–2016 Ebola epidemic and 2015–16 Zika epidemic.

June 2017: Margaret Chan's Tenure Ends

In June 2017, Margaret Chan's tenure as the director-general of the World Health Organization came to an end.

July 2017: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Appointed Director-General

On 1 July 2017, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was appointed as the Director-General of the WHO.

October 2017: Appointment and Revocation of Robert Mugabe as WHO Goodwill Ambassador

In October 2017, Robert Mugabe was appointed as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador, but the appointment was revoked the following day due to widespread criticism.

2017: Contingency Fund for Rapid Response Disbursement

By April 2016 WHO had received $26.9 million for 2017 disbursement, for its $100 million Contingency Fund for rapid response to future emergencies.

2017: Weekly vigil in front of WHO headquarters

From 2007 to 2017, Independent WHO held a weekly vigil in front of WHO headquarters.

2017: WHO Refuses Taiwanese Delegates

From 2017 to 2020, the WHO refused to allow Taiwanese delegates to attend the WHO annual assembly due to political pressure from the PRC.

2017: Study on Polio Vaccine Efficacy

In 2017, a study was conducted to investigate why Polio Vaccines may not be sufficient to eradicate the virus and to explore new technologies.

2017: Competition to Redesign Headquarters

In 2017, the World Health Organization launched an international competition to redesign and extend its headquarters in Geneva.

May 2018: WHO Denies Access to Taiwanese Media

In May 2018, the WHO denied access to its annual assembly by Taiwanese media, reportedly due to demands from the PRC.

2018: China's Contribution

In 2018, China's Biennium assessed contributions were US$75,796K.

April 2019: New Recommendations on Children's Screen Time

In April 2019, the WHO released new recommendations stating that children between the ages of two and five should spend no more than one hour per day engaging in sedentary behaviour in front of a screen and that children under two should not be permitted any sedentary screen time.

2019: China's Contribution

In 2019, China's Biennium assessed contributions were US$75,796K.

2019: Taiwan's Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2019, Taiwan's effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic has bolstered its case for WHO membership.

2019: Discovery of a novel coronavirus

In 2019, a new strain of coronavirus, later named COVID-19, was detected in humans.

2019: Chinese health authorities notified WHO of a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown aetiology.

On 1 January 2020, The WHO created an Incident Management Support Team, one day after Chinese health authorities notified the organization in 2019 of a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown aetiology.

January 2020: EU Backs Taiwan's Participation

In January 2020, the European Union backed Taiwan's participation in WHO meetings related to the coronavirus pandemic.

January 2020: WHO Responds to Pneumonia Cases in China

In January 2020, the WHO created an Incident Management Support Team, notified member states of the outbreak, provided guidance, and confirmed the first infection outside China, following reports of a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown aetiology in China.

April 2020: U.S. Halts Funding to WHO

In April 2020, under President Donald Trump, the U.S. announced it would halt funding to the WHO pending an investigation into the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was widely criticized.

April 2020: Trump Administration to Halt WHO Funding

On 14 April 2020, United States president Donald Trump said that he would halt United States funding to the WHO while reviewing its role in "severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus."

May 2020: Trump Administration Agrees to Pay Equivalent of China's Contribution

In May 2020, the Trump Administration agreed to pay up to the equivalent of China's assessed contributions to the WHO, which is significantly less than previous funding.

May 2020: New Zealand Supports Taiwan's Bid to Rejoin WHO

In early May 2020, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed support for the ROC's bid to rejoin the WHO during a media conference.

May 2020: US Blocks UN Security Council Resolution

On 8 May 2020, the United States blocked a vote on a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at promoting nonviolent international cooperation during the pandemic, and mentioning the WHO.

July 2020: Trump Formally Notifies UN of US Withdrawal

On 7 July 2020, President Trump formally notified the UN of his intent to withdraw the United States from the WHO.

July 2020: US Notifies UN of Intent to Withdraw from WHO

On 7 July 2020, President Trump formally notified the UN of his intent to withdraw the United States from the WHO.

November 2020: "Taiwan" Blocked on WHO Facebook

In November 2020, the word "Taiwan" was blocked in comments on a livestream on the WHO's Facebook page.

2020: WHO Refuses Taiwanese Delegates

From 2017 to 2020, the WHO refused to allow Taiwanese delegates to attend the WHO annual assembly due to political pressure from the PRC.

2020: WHO's budget for 2020-2021

In 2020, the WHO's total approved budget for 2020–2021 was over $7.2 billion, allocated for various global health initiatives and programs.

2020: COVID-19 classified as a public health emergency of international concern

In 2020, the World Health Organization classified the novel coronavirus outbreak, named COVID-19, as a public health emergency of international concern.

2020: Interim Targets for AIDS Epidemic

In 2020, the World Health Organization strategy on HIV had interim targets for the year.

2020: Largest Contributors to WHO

In 2020–21, the largest contributors were the Germany, Gates Foundation, United States, United Kingdom and European Commission.

2020: Aylward Interview and Taiwan

In a 2020 interview, Assistant Director-General Bruce Aylward appeared to dodge a question about Taiwan's response to the pandemic and inclusion in the WHO, leading to accusations about the PRC's political influence over the international organization.

January 2021: US Resumes Funding WHO

In January 2021, President Joe Biden cancelled the planned withdrawal and announced that the U.S. would resume funding the WHO.

January 2021: Biden Cancels US Withdrawal and Resumes Funding

In January 2021, President Joe Biden cancelled the planned withdrawal and announced that the U.S. would resume funding the organization.

2021: Largest Contributors to WHO

In 2020–21, the largest contributors were the Germany, Gates Foundation, United States, United Kingdom and European Commission.

2021: WHO Executive Board Forms Working Group

In 2021, the WHO Executive Board formed a Working Group on Sustainable Financing to rethink WHO's funding strategy.

2021: WHO's budget for 2020-2021

In 2021, the WHO's total approved budget for 2020–2021 was over $7.2 billion, allocated for various global health initiatives and programs.

2021: Formalized Participation of the Holy See as Observer

In 2021, the participation of The Holy See as "non-Member State Observer" was formalized by an Assembly resolution.

2022: American Funding Expected to Increase

In 2022, it was expected that the American funding of the WHO would increase after a decline during the first two years of the pandemic.

2022: WHO suggests formation of a Global Health Emergency Council

In 2022, the WHO suggested the formation of a Global Health Emergency Council, with a new global health emergency workforce, and recommends revision of the International Health Regulations.

2022: WHO Two-Year Budget

In 2022, the WHO two-year budget for 2022–2023 is paid by its members.

2022: WHO's budget for 2022-2023

In 2022, the WHO's approved budget for 2022–2023 was over $6.2 billion, designated to support the organization's global health efforts and programs.

2022: World Health Assembly Adopts Recommendations

In 2022, the World Health Assembly adopted recommendations to raise compulsory member dues.

2022: ICD-11 Integration of Traditional Medicine

In 2022, the new International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, ICD-11, will attempt to enable classifications from traditional medicine to be integrated with classifications from evidence-based medicine.

May 2023: COVID-19 No Longer a World-Wide Health Emergency

In May 2023, the WHO announced that COVID-19 was no longer a world-wide health emergency.

June 2023: Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari Appointed Chair of the Executive Board

As of June 2023, the chair of the WHO executive board is Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari of Qatar.

2023: American Funding Expected to Increase

In 2023, it was expected that the American funding of the WHO would increase after a decline during the first two years of the pandemic.

2023: WHO Two-Year Budget

In 2023, the WHO two-year budget for 2022–2023 is paid by its members.

2023: WHO's budget for 2022-2023

In 2023, the WHO's approved budget for 2022–2023 was over $6.2 billion, designated to support the organization's global health efforts and programs.

2023: World Health Assembly Adopts Recommendations

In 2023, the World Health Assembly had no new relevant event.

2024: WHO declares mpox a public health emergency of international concern

In 2024, WHO declared the spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in several African countries a public health emergency of international concern.

2024: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Contribution

In 2024, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded 10% of WHO's budget, making it the organization's major private contributor.

2024: WHO's budget for 2024-2025

In 2024, the WHO's budget is $6.83 billion for 2024–2025, allocated for various global health initiatives and programs.

January 2025: WHO Membership and US Withdrawal

As of January 2025, the WHO has 194 member states. On 20 January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the 12-month process of withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO.

January 2025: President Trump Issues Executive Order to Withdraw from WHO

In January 2025, during his second term, President Trump issued an executive order to withdraw the United States from the WHO, citing WHO's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic originating in Wuhan, among other reasons.

January 2025: WHO Recommends Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes

In January 2025, the WHO released a new guideline Use of lower-sodium salt substitutes which strongly recommends reducing sodium intake to less than 2 g/day and conditionally recommends replacing regular table salt with lower-sodium salt substitutes that contain potassium.

January 2025: Trump Renews US Withdrawal Intent

On 20 January 2025, an executive order was signed by a re-inaugurated Trump, formally notifying the United Nations of his intent to withdraw the United States from the WHO for a second time.