ABSTRACT
The World Health Organization (WHO) is one of the 12 specialized agencies brought into relationship with the United Nations by a formal agreement. The creation of WHO stemmed from the International Sanitary Conferences which met between 1851 and 1938, and the adoption of the first International Sanitary Convention in 1903. These aimed at defending Europe against exotic pestilential illnesses - plague, yellow fever and cholera - while imposing minimum interference with international commerce. WHO's overall objective is 'the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health'. The secretariat is composed of the Director-General, elected by the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the technical and administrative staff he/she appoints as required. The secretariat establishes and maintains relationships with member States, it prepares and submits to the Executive Board the financial statements and budget estimates. WHO budgets are financed by both assessed and voluntary contributions.
