The World Health Organisation

Question 1

International health regulations (IHR)

Answer 1

• was developed in order to monitor the spread of diseases such as influenza, cholera and Ebola that can lead to ill health.
  WHO examples:
• plays a leadership role in coordinating a response to the issue including sending health workers
• building the capabilities of health systems by providing training to local health workers, medication and other resources.

Question 2

Increasing access to medical products

Answer 2

• essential medicines are those that satisfy the most important health care which helps to improve the lives of all people.
  WHO works to:
• provide grants for the development of techniques and products that may assist in controlling diseases.
• by developing the ‘criteria for selection of essential medicines’ to assist countries.

Question 3

Social, economic and environmental determinants

Answer 3

• WHO works with other sectors to reduce the social, economic and environmental causes of disease and Ill health and promote equity.
  WHO helps by:
• improved governance for health and development
• monitoring progress and increasing accountability

Question 4

Non-communicable diseases

Answer 4

• four diseases that are the focus are: cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.
  WHO has worked to achieve this priority by:
• improving access to affordable pharmaceuticals
• developing new products and technologies appropriate for use in the poorest of countries.

Question 5

Health- related millennium development goals

Answer 5

• MDG’s directly linked to health are: reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
  WHO has worked to achieve this priority by:
• working to promote universal health care
• providing access to essential medicines.

Question 6

Universal health coverage

Answer 6

• relates to all people being able to obtain the health services they need regardless of the ability to pay
• e.g a strong efficient well run health system and a well-trained, motivated health workforce.
  WHO works by:
• providing funding to strengthen health systems
• increasing access to medical technology