1902: Establishment of Pan-American Sanitary Bureau
The Pan-American Sanitary Bureau was founded in 1902, contributing to the growing international health movement.
1907: Establishment of Office International d'Hygiène Publique
The Office International d'Hygiène Publique was established in 1907, further advancing international health collaboration.
1912: Establishment of the Republic of China (ROC)
The Republic of China (ROC) was established in 1912, marking a significant moment in Chinese history and setting the stage for its involvement in global affairs, including its founding membership in the World Health Organization.
1920: Formation of League of Nations Health Organization
In 1920, the League of Nations formed its Health Organization, a precursor to the WHO.
1938: Conclusion of International Sanitary Conferences
The series of International Sanitary Conferences, focusing on epidemic diseases, concluded in 1938 after 87 years of discussions and agreements.
1945: Proposal for an International Health Organization
During the 1945 UN Conference, discussions led by a Chinese delegate resulted in the proposal for a global health organization.
July 1946: Signing of WHO Constitution
Representatives from 51 UN countries and 10 other nations signed the World Health Organization's constitution in July 1946.
1947: WHO Establishes Epidemiological Information Service
In 1947, the World Health Organization set up an epidemiological information service using telex technology.
April 7, 1948: Establishment of WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on April 7, 1948, inheriting resources and responsibilities from previous organizations like the League of Nations' Health Organization.
April 1948: WHO Constitution Comes into Force
The WHO's constitution officially came into effect on April 7, 1948, marking the first World Health Day.
July 1948: First World Health Assembly
The inaugural World Health Assembly concluded in July 1948, setting a budget and appointing G. Brock Chisholm as the first Director-General.
1949: Establishment of First WHO Regional Divisions
Following the model of the Pan American Health Organization, the first of the World Health Organization's regional divisions were created in 1949.
1949: ROC Loses Mainland China, PRC Established
In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) established the People's Republic of China (PRC), resulting in the ROC losing control of mainland China and relocating its government to Taiwan. This political shift led to a change in China's representation in the World Health Organization (WHO), with the PRC assuming the seat.
1949: Soviet Union Leaves WHO
The Soviet Union and its republics withdrew from the World Health Organization in 1949 due to disagreements over penicillin production.
1949: WHO's First Budget
The World Health Assembly secured a budget of US$5 million for 1949, enabling the organization to address global health priorities.
1950: Mass Tuberculosis Inoculation Campaign
A large-scale campaign to vaccinate people against tuberculosis using the BCG vaccine commenced in 1950.
1951: WHO Begins Operations
In 1951, WHO commenced its work with substantial financial and technical support, marking a significant step in global health efforts.
1952: Finalization of WHO Regional Divisions
The World Health Organization finalized the establishment of its regional divisions, based on its constitution, by 1952.
1955: Launch of Malaria Eradication Program
The World Health Organization launched its global malaria eradication program in 1955, although the goals were later adjusted to focus on control.
1956: Soviet Union Returns to WHO
The Soviet Union and its republics rejoined the World Health Organization in 1956, ending a seven-year absence.
1958: Call for Global Smallpox Eradication
In 1958, Viktor Zhdanov, a Soviet health official, urged the World Health Assembly to initiate a worldwide effort to eradicate smallpox, leading to Resolution WHA11.54 and setting the stage for a landmark public health achievement.
1959: Agreement Between WHO and IAEA
The World Health Organization (WHO) entered into an agreement (WHA 12–40) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1959.
1961: WHO Mandated Under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs
The World Health Organization was mandated in 1961 under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to conduct scientific assessments of substances for international drug control.
1965: WHO Reports on Diabetes and Cancer Research
The year 1965 saw the release of the first WHO report on diabetes mellitus and the establishment of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
1966: WHO Relocates Headquarters
In 1966, the World Health Organization moved its headquarters from the Palace of Nations to a new building in Geneva.
1966: Inauguration of WHO Headquarters
The World Health Organization's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, designed by Swiss architect Jean Tschumi, was inaugurated in 1966.
1967: Intensified Smallpox Eradication Campaign
The World Health Organization significantly increased funding and implemented a new surveillance system for smallpox in 1967.
1971: WHO Mandated Under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances
In 1971, the World Health Organization was given a mandate under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances to conduct scientific assessments of substances for international drug control.
1971: ROC's Absence from WHO Meetings
Following the PRC's replacement of the ROC in the WHO in 1971, the ROC experienced a period of non-participation in WHO meetings, marking a period of strained cross-strait relations.
1971: PRC Replaces ROC in WHO
In 1971, the People's Republic of China (PRC) formally replaced the Republic of China (ROC) in the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape and the PRC's growing international influence.
1972: Containing the Last European Smallpox Outbreak
The WHO played a key role in containing the final smallpox outbreak in Europe, which happened in Yugoslavia in 1972.
1974: World Health Assembly's Request for Improved Control of Tropical Diseases
In 1974, the World Health Assembly (WHA) requested an intensive effort to improve the control of tropical diseases.
1974: Expanded Programme on Immunization and Onchocerciasis Control
The year 1974 saw the initiation of the Expanded Programme on Immunization and the onchocerciasis control program, involving collaboration with FAO, UNDP, and the World Bank.
1975: Launch of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
In 1975, WHO launched the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) to support and coordinate research on tropical diseases and strengthen research capabilities in endemic countries.
1976: Resolution on Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation
The WHA passed a resolution in 1976 focusing on community-driven care for disability prevention and rehabilitation.
1977: Creation of the First Essential Medicines List
The first list of essential medicines was created in 1977.
1978: Declaration of the "Health For All" Goal
The ambitious goal of "Health For All" was declared in 1978.
1979: Eradication of Smallpox
A Global Commission declared the eradication of smallpox in 1979, marking a historic victory for public health and the WHO's efforts.
1981: WHO Adopts International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes
In 1981, the WHO took a significant step in promoting breastfeeding and protecting infants by adopting the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
1983: Launch of "Entre Nous" Magazine
In 1983, the WHO's Division of Noncommunicable Diseases for Promoting Health through Reproductive Health launched "Entre Nous," a magazine distributed across Europe.
1983: Murray Eden awarded WHO Medical Society medal
Murray Eden received the WHO Medical Society medal in 1983 for his contributions as a consultant on research and development.
1986: Start of WHO's Global Program on HIV/AIDS
The WHO initiated its global program on HIV/AIDS in 1986.
1988: Launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
In 1988, the WHO launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to eradicate polio globally.
1988: Establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was founded in 1988.
1990: Start of WHO's Efforts to Reduce Tuberculosis Deaths
From 1990 onwards, WHO's efforts contributed to a decline in tuberculosis deaths.
1995: Establishment of the International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication
In 1995, the WHO established the International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication (ICCDE) to oversee the eradication of Guinea worm disease.
1996: Formation of UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) was established in 1996.
1998: WHO's 50th Anniversary and Assessment of Progress
On WHO's 50th anniversary in 1998, the director-general acknowledged achievements in child survival, reduced infant mortality, and disease reduction but emphasized the need for improvements in maternal health.
1999: Implementation of Renewable Term for Regional Directors
Beginning in 1999, the World Health Organization's regional directors began serving a once-renewable five-year term, starting on February 1st.
2000: Creation of the Stop TB Partnership and UN Millennium Development Goals
The Stop TB Partnership was established in 2000, coinciding with the UN's formulation of the Millennium Development Goals.
2001: Formation of the Measles Initiative
The Measles Initiative, launched in 2001, significantly reduced global measles deaths.
2002: WHO increases collaboration with NGOs
As of 2002, the WHO significantly expanded its collaboration with over 473 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.
2002: SARS Epidemic
The 2002-2003 SARS epidemic highlighted the need for revised International Health Regulations.
2002: Establishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002 to enhance resource allocation for these diseases.
2003: WHO implements Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
In 2003, the WHO put into effect the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, reflecting their commitment to a tobacco-free work environment.
2003: WHO Condemns the Catholic Church's Stance on Condoms
In 2003, WHO criticized the Roman Curia's opposition to condoms, deeming it dangerous amidst the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
2003: WHO Adopts Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
A landmark achievement in global public health came in 2003 when the WHO adopted the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, aiming to reduce tobacco consumption and its health consequences.
2004: Board Approval of Regional Directors
As of 2004, the World Health Organization's board had never overruled the preference of a regional committee regarding the appointment of a regional director.
2005: Revision of International Health Regulations
In 2005, prompted by the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak, WHO revised the International Health Regulations, granting it authority to declare public health emergencies of international concern.
2005: Treatment and Lives Saved through WHO-Advocated Practices
Since 2005, over 46 million people received treatment, and an estimated 7 million lives were saved through WHO-advocated tuberculosis control practices.
2006: Endorsement of the First HIV/AIDS Toolkit
The WHO endorsed the world's first official HIV/AIDS Toolkit for Zimbabwe in 2006, which became a foundation for global efforts against the AIDS pandemic.
January 2007: Margaret Chan becomes Director-General of WHO
Margaret Chan assumed the role of Director-General of WHO in January 2007, beginning her tenure at the helm of the organization.
2007: Success of the Measles Initiative
By 2007, the Measles Initiative was credited with a 68% reduction in global measles deaths.
2007: Start of Independent WHO Vigils
Independent WHO began holding weekly vigils outside WHO headquarters in 2007, expressing concerns about the organization's independence.
2007: WHO Initiates Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Development
Starting in 2007, the WHO organized efforts for pandemic influenza vaccine development and clinical trials.
April 2009: Declaration of the H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan declared the H1N1 influenza virus a pandemic in April 2009.
May 2009: ROC Invited to WHA as Observer
In a positive development in cross-strait relations, the Department of Health of the Republic of China (ROC) received an invitation from the World Health Organization (WHO) to attend the 62nd World Health Assembly as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei" in May 2009.
September 2009: PAHO Policy on Research for Health
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/AMRO) made history in September 2009 by becoming the first region to develop and approve a dedicated policy on research for health, a significant milestone in promoting evidence-based health practices.
2009: Continued Opposition to Contraception and Condemnation by WHO Official
Despite WHO's criticism, the Catholic Church maintained its opposition to contraception use for HIV/AIDS prevention in 2009. This stance was condemned by WHO officials.
2009: Previous WHO budget sees underspends
Looking back at the 2009-2010 budget, the WHO experienced underspends, leading to adjustments in subsequent budgets.
2009: Taiwan Granted Observer Status in WHO
In a significant development, the government of Taiwan was granted observer status in the World Health Organization (WHO) under the designation "Chinese Taipei" in 2009.
2009: WHO's Interim Targets for HIV/AIDS Reduction
In 2009, aligned with UNAIDS, the WHO set interim targets to reduce HIV infections among young people (aged 15-24) by 50%, new child infections by 90%, and HIV-related deaths by 25% by 2015.
2010: WHO adjusts budget following underspends
In 2010, the WHO made budgetary adjustments to account for previous underspends, ensuring more efficient allocation of resources.
2010: Declaration of the Post-Pandemic Period for H1N1 and Ensuing Criticism
Margaret Chan declared that the H1N1 pandemic had transitioned to a post-pandemic phase in 2010. This declaration attracted criticism, with claims that the WHO had overstated the initial danger, causing unnecessary alarm.
2010: WHO Representative for Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
As of 2010, the only WHO Representative outside of Europe to be a national of that country was for the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
2010: WHO Adopts Global Code of Practice on International Recruitment of Health Personnel
In 2010, the WHO adopted the Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, aiming to establish ethical guidelines for the recruitment of health workers, particularly from developing countries.
2010: Success of WHO's Tuberculosis Control Strategies
By 2010, WHO's strategies, including government engagement, early diagnosis, standardized treatment, and drug supply stabilization, led to a 40% reduction in tuberculosis deaths since 1990.
2011: Continued Efforts in Polio Immunization and Prevention
As of 2011, WHO focused on immunizing children and preventing polio resurgence in polio-free countries.
2011: World Health Day Theme: Drug Resistance
In 2011, World Health Day, observed by the World Health Organization, centered around the growing issue of drug resistance, emphasizing the need to combat this global health threat.
July 4, 2012: Report on Discrepancies in WHO's FCTC Implementation Database
On July 4, 2012, researchers Hoffman and Rizvi published a report highlighting significant discrepancies in the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) implementation database. The report revealed that a substantial portion of country responses were misreported, missing, or misinterpreted, raising concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the database in monitoring global tobacco control efforts.
2012: World Health Day Theme: Healthy Ageing
The World Health Organization dedicated World Health Day in 2012 to promoting healthy aging, highlighting its importance for global health and well-being.
2012: WHO Budget Focus on Communicable Diseases
The WHO budget for 2012-2013 prioritized funding allocation to five areas, with two specifically addressing communicable diseases.
2012: WHO Report on Environmental Impact on Health
In 2012, the WHO estimated that 12.6 million deaths, nearly a quarter of global deaths, resulted from unhealthy living or working environments, highlighting the significant impact of environmental risk factors.
2012: WHO's Continued Commitment to Malaria Control
Despite shifting from a global eradication campaign to a control approach for malaria in the 1970s, WHO remained dedicated to combating the disease using strategies like insecticide-treated nets, sprays, and antimalarial drugs, particularly for pregnant women and children.
2012: WHO Defines its Role in Public Health
As of 2012, the WHO defined its role in public health.
December 2013: Launch of MiNDbank Database
On December 2013, coinciding with Human Rights Day, the World Health Organization launched MiNDbank, a comprehensive online database. This initiative, part of WHO's QualityRights program, aims to combat human rights violations against individuals with mental health conditions by providing a central hub for information on mental health, substance abuse, disability, human rights, and global policies.
2013: Funding Disparities in Global Health Emergencies
Between 2013 and 2016, a significant funding gap was observed, with billions of dollars spent by developed countries on the Ebola and Zika epidemics, while the WHO faced budget constraints.
2013: WHO budget proposal outlines significant expenditure
The 2012-2013 budget proposal for the WHO indicated a substantial expenditure plan, marking a notable financial commitment.
2013: WHO Budget Focus on Communicable Diseases
The WHO budget for 2012-2013 prioritized funding allocation to five areas, with two specifically addressing communicable diseases.
May 2014: WHO Declares Polio Spread a World Health Emergency
The World Health Organization declared the spread of polio a global health emergency in May 2014 due to outbreaks in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
2014: WHO Releases Global Atlas of Palliative Care
In 2014, the WHO and the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance jointly published the Global Atlas of Palliative Care at the End of Life, highlighting the need for improved access to palliative care services worldwide.
2014: WHO Criticized for Ebola Response
The WHO faced heavy criticism in 2014 for its handling of the Ebola outbreak, with concerns raised about its bureaucracy, funding, regional structure, and staffing.
2014: World Health Day Theme: Vector-Borne Diseases
In 2014, the World Health Organization focused on raising awareness and promoting action against vector-borne diseases on World Health Day.
2015: WHO's Involvement in HIV/AIDS Response
As of 2015, the World Health Organization was actively involved in the UNAIDS network, working to address the economic and social impacts of HIV/AIDS beyond just the health sector.
2015: Funding Disparities in Global Health Emergencies
Between 2013 and 2016, a significant funding gap was observed, with billions of dollars spent by developed countries on the Ebola and Zika epidemics, while the WHO faced budget constraints.
2015: WHO Establishes Contingency Fund for Emergencies
Director-General Margaret Chan announced a $100 million Contingency Fund during the 2015 World Health Assembly, aiming to enable WHO to respond rapidly to future health emergencies.
April 2016: WHO's Contingency Fund for Emergencies
By April 2016, the WHO's $100 million Contingency Fund, created for rapid responses to future emergencies, had received $26.9 million in contributions, intended for disbursement in 2017.
2016: Funding Disparities in Global Health Emergencies
Between 2013 and 2016, a significant funding gap was observed, with billions of dollars spent by developed countries on the Ebola and Zika epidemics, while the WHO faced budget constraints.
2016: ROC's Participation in WHO Ends
Due to renewed diplomatic pressure from the PRC following the 2016 election of the Democratic Progressive Party in the ROC, which advocates for independence, the ROC's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) came to an end.
2016: Margaret Chan's expensive hotel stay during West Africa visit sparks criticism
In 2016, controversy arose when Margaret Chan, then Director-General of WHO, incurred high expenses for a hotel stay during a visit to West Africa, drawing criticism for excessive spending.
2016: WHO Drafts Global HIV Strategy
In 2016, the World Health Organization demonstrated its commitment to combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic by drafting a global health sector strategy. This draft outlined a plan to end AIDS by 2030, with interim targets set for 2020. The strategy emphasizes crucial actions for countries and WHO, including ensuring universal health coverage, improving medical accessibility, strengthening disease prevention and eradication efforts, and promoting public health education. Notably, the draft recognizes the need to tailor resources for regions with compromised health systems due to factors like natural disasters.
2016: Formation of the World Health Emergencies Programme
In response to the West Africa Ebola outbreak, the World Health Emergencies Programme was created in 2016, expanding WHO's role to include operational response to health emergencies.
June 2017: Margaret Chan's tenure as Director-General of WHO ends
After serving as Director-General since 2007, Margaret Chan's term at the WHO concluded in June 2017.
July 2017: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appointed Director-General of WHO
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was appointed as the Director-General of WHO on July 1, 2017.
October 2017: Appointment and revocation of Robert Mugabe as WHO Goodwill Ambassador
In October 2017, the WHO faced backlash for appointing Robert Mugabe as Goodwill Ambassador due to his controversial human rights record. The appointment was revoked shortly after.
2017: Study on Polio Vaccine Effectiveness and New Technologies
In 2017, a study investigated the limitations of existing polio vaccines and explored new technologies for eradication.
2017: End of Independent WHO Vigils
Independent WHO concluded their weekly vigils in 2017, having advocated for changes within the organization for a decade.
2017: WHO Budgets for Health Emergencies Programme
The WHO allocated an additional $494 million to its Health Emergencies Programme for 2016-2017, aiming to strengthen its capacity to respond to health crises.
2017: Taiwan Barred from WHO Assembly
In 2017, Taiwan faced exclusion from the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), due to political pressure from the PRC. This marked the beginning of Taiwan's continued exclusion from the annual assembly.
2017: International Competition for Headquarters Redesign
In 2017, the World Health Organization launched an international competition to redesign and extend its headquarters in Geneva.
May 2018: Taiwanese Media Denied Access to WHA, US Supports Taiwan's Inclusion
In May 2018, Taiwanese media outlets were denied access to the World Health Assembly, reportedly due to demands from the People's Republic of China (PRC). This action further highlighted the PRC's efforts to limit Taiwan's international participation. In response, 172 members of the United States House of Representatives sent a letter to the World Health Organization's director-general advocating for Taiwan's inclusion as an observer at the WHA, demonstrating growing international support for Taiwan's participation.
2018: China's assessed contributions to WHO
During the 2018-2019 biennium, China's assessed contributions to the WHO amounted to a specific sum, reflecting their financial commitment to the organization.
April 2019: WHO Issues Screen Time Recommendations for Children
In April 2019, the WHO released new guidelines recommending that children aged two to five should have no more than one hour of daily screen time and children under two should have none.
2019: China's assessed contributions to WHO
In 2019, as part of their assessed contributions, China provided a certain amount of funding to the WHO, playing a role in supporting the organization's operations.
2019: WHO's Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
The WHO established an Incident Management Support Team on January 1, 2020, following China's notification of a pneumonia cluster. Throughout January, the WHO notified member states, issued guidance, confirmed the first case outside China, and initially found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission. By the end of January, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
2019: Taiwan's effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Starting in 2019, Taiwan's effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic garnered praise from experts and bolstered their case for WHO membership.
January 2020: Taiwan's exclusion from WHO emergency meetings during COVID-19
In January 2020, Taiwan faced exclusion from WHO emergency meetings concerning the COVID-19 outbreak, leading to criticism and calls for their inclusion from various parties.
January 2020: WHO's Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
The WHO established an Incident Management Support Team on January 1, 2020, following China's notification of a pneumonia cluster. Throughout January, the WHO notified member states, issued guidance, confirmed the first case outside China, and initially found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission. By the end of January, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
April 2020: Trump Administration Criticizes and Halts Funding to WHO
President Trump announced in April 2020 that the US would halt funding to the WHO, criticizing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision drew condemnation from global leaders and health experts.
April 2020: Trump Administration halts funding to WHO
In April 2020, the Trump Administration made the controversial decision to suspend funding to the WHO, citing concerns about the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: US Blocks UN Resolution Supporting WHO
The United States, in May 2020, blocked a UN Security Council resolution that aimed to promote global cooperation during the pandemic and acknowledged the WHO's role.
May 2020: New Zealand's support for Taiwan's WHO bid
In May 2020, New Zealand expressed support for Taiwan's bid to rejoin the WHO, joining other countries like Australia and the United States.
May 2020: Trump Administration agrees to limited WHO funding
Following negotiations, the Trump Administration agreed in May 2020 to provide limited funding to the WHO, capping it at the amount contributed by China.
July 2020: Trump Administration Announces Withdrawal from WHO
President Trump formally notified the UN in July 2020 of the US's intent to withdraw from the WHO, further escalating tensions.
2020: Interim Target for Global HIV Strategy
The World Health Organization set 2020 as an interim target year for its global health sector strategy on HIV, aiming to achieve significant progress towards ending the AIDS epidemic by this date.
2020: Taiwan Remains Excluded from WHO Assembly
Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Assembly continued in 2020, highlighting the ongoing political challenges and the PRC's influence within the World Health Organization.
2020: Germany, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation among largest contributors to WHO
In 2020, Germany and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation emerged as the top contributors to the WHO.
January 2021: WHO Membership Status
As of January 2021, the World Health Organization had 194 member states, encompassing all member states of the United Nations except for Liechtenstein, along with the Cook Islands and Niue. Additionally, there were two associate members, Puerto Rico and Tokelau.
January 2021: Biden Administration Reverses WHO Withdrawal and Resumes Funding
In January 2021, President Biden reversed the Trump administration's decision, canceling the planned withdrawal from the WHO and announcing the resumption of US funding for the organization.
2021: WHO establishes Working Group on Sustainable Financing
The WHO formed the Working Group on Sustainable Financing in 2021 to explore new funding strategies.
2022: WHO Two-Year Budget Period Begins
The World Health Organization's two-year budget period for 2022-2023 commenced, funded by its 194 member states and 2 associate members.
2022: World Health Assembly adopts recommendations for increased member dues
The World Health Assembly in 2022 adopted key recommendations, including raising compulsory member dues to reach 50% of WHO's base budget by the end of the 2020s.
2022: Integration of Traditional Medicine in ICD-11
In 2022, the World Health Organization's new International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) aimed to integrate classifications from traditional medicine, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with classifications from evidence-based medicine. This move, while supported by Chinese authorities, sparked controversy and criticism from the medical and scientific community due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting traditional medicine practices and concerns about potential risks to wildlife hunted for traditional remedies.
2022: Recommendations for Global Health Emergency Response
In 2022, the WHO recommended forming a Global Health Emergency Council and workforce and revising the International Health Regulations.
2022: American funding of WHO expected to increase
After a period of reduced funding, American contributions to the WHO are projected to increase in 2022.
May 2023: WHO Declares End of COVID-19 as a Global Health Emergency
In May 2023, the WHO declared that COVID-19 was no longer a global health emergency, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the pandemic.
June 2023: Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari becomes Chair of WHO Executive Board
As of June 2023, Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari of Qatar assumed the position of chair of the WHO executive board.
2023: Increased member dues target to reach 50% of WHO base budget
By 2023, the WHO aims to achieve its target of raising compulsory member dues to represent 50% of its base budget.
2023: American funding of WHO expected to increase
Projections indicate that American financial support for the WHO will continue to rise in 2023.
2023: End of WHO Two-Year Budget Period
The World Health Organization's two-year budget period for 2022-2023 is set to conclude.
2024: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as Major Contributor
In 2024, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation became the World Health Organization's largest private contributor, funding 10% of its budget.
2030: Target for Ending the AIDS Epidemic
The World Health Organization has set an ambitious target to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, reflecting its commitment to global health and well-being.