WHO

The WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends. It also has an obligation to help achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.

The WHO works in close collaboration with governments, a host of agencies, private foundations and non-governmental organisations as well as with private sector representatives to address health matters worldwide.

Switzerland shares the general goals of the WHO. Regarding development cooperation in global health, it priorities correspond to various WHO programme areas under its 13^th General Programme of Work, i.e. focus on health systems strengthening for achieving UHC, pandemic preparedness and response, determinants of health, access to safe and affordable medical products, gender and equity. This allows not only for synergies between Switzerland and WHO at country level but also to leverage on Swiss bilateral experiences to guide and advance the WHO global health agenda. Switzerland is also committed to supporting WHO in its reforms, particularly in the areas of performance, efficiency and governance. In addition to the general contribution to WHO, Switzerland supports two special programmes which are hosted by WHO: the Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases and the Programme of Research, Development and Research in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

For more information, please consult the WHO Thirteen General Programme of Work 2019-2023: