WHO

WHO - World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 and is the directing and co-ordinating 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.

WHO's vision of global health, based on equity and solidarity, calls for building new partnerships with international agencies, donors, ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions, private initiatives across diverse sectors such as travel and communications, communities, and citizens.

Today, WHO operates in a complex and rapidly changing landscape, where public health actions have begun extending into other sectors that influence health opportunities and outcomes. WHO has responded to these challenges through a six-point agenda, which targets promoting development; fostering health security; strengthening health systems; harnessing research, information and evidence; enhancing partnerships; and improving performance.

WHO presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The WHO Country Office was established in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992. The priorities for the Office are set out in the Biennial Collaborative Agreement between WHO/Europe and BiH. The Office implements the Agreement in close collaboration with national institutions and international partner agencies. The BCA for 2010-2011 focuses on the following areas of activity: strengthening leadership, governance and the evidence base of health systems; and reducing the health, social and economic burden of communicable diseases.

The Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) 2004/2005 between WHO and Bosnia and Herzegovina directs implementation of activities around three major dimensions of work:

· Health service provision (field technical interventions),

· Health system infrastructure development (financing and resource generation), and

· Health policy and other stewardship elements.

The following thematic areas are considered to be priority areas for collaboration:

1. Mental Health and Substance Abuse

2. Health Care Reform (support to EU Programme)

· Management and Coordination of the Project

· Component 1: Health Policy with focus on Management, PHC and Nursing

· Component 2: Pharmaceutical sector development

· Component 3: Accreditation and Quality Assurance

· Component 4: Public Health Management and Planning, with focus on Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response

3. Immunization and Preventable Diseases

4. Non Communicable Diseases

5. Food Safety