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The World Health Organization (WHO)

Board member: Anarfi Asamoa-Baah, Deputy Director-General, WHO.

mc_whaRead the opening address from the 63rd Session of the WHA delivered by Margaret Chan, Director General, WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialised agency for health and a founding partner of the GAVI Alliance. GAVI depends on WHO's guidance on technical issues for framing its policies and WHO is a member of GAVI's Executive Board which it chairs, alternating terms with UNICEF. Both WHO and UNICEF play a key role in supporting countries in their application for GAVI funds, and subsequent implementation and monitoring of GAVI-related immunisation activities.

WHO and immunisation

WHO is a key player in global immunisation through its network of nearly 450 immunisation professionals present in headquarters, the six regional offices and 67 countries. WHO’s Department of Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals is charged with ensuring that all people at risk are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Department’s work covers a range of activities including standard-setting, research and development, vaccine regulation and quality, vaccine supply and immunisation financing, and immunisation system strengthening.