The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) that is concerned with international public health.

The WHO Representative’s Office established in 1960 in Pakistan supports the Government and health authorities in strengthening health services, addressing public health issues and supporting and promoting research for health.

Physicians, public health specialists, scientists, social scientists and epidemiologists provide appropriate technical support and collaboration upon the request or acceptance of national authorities.

As the lead health agency, WHO works with many partners to support countries in reaching their national health development goals and to ensure that its efforts are coordinated. Across the Region, these include United Nations agencies, humanitarian and development partners, donors, nongovernmental organizations, WHO collaborating centers and the private sector.

Working within the overall framework of the WHO mandate and in line with governmental priorities and responsibilities, Country Cooperation Strategies have been developed for six-year periods, reflecting the medium term strategic vision. In addition, joint collaborative programmes have been developed for each biennium to outline specific areas of cooperation between the two partners.

The major areas of WHO collaboration with GoP

• Health sector policy and reforms
• Health system strengthening, including capacity-building of the human workforce for health
• Expanded Programme on Immunisation and the Polio Eradication Initiative
• Disease Early Warning System
• Control of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria
• Family planning and primary health care
• Emergency preparedness and humanitarian assistance
• Provision of essential medicines
• Assisting in providing safe water and other environmental health issues
• Community-based initiatives

Non-communicable disease prevention and control, including the Tobacco Free Initiative, promotion of healthy lifestyles, prevention of avoidable blindness and mental health.