WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system with its Headquarter in Geneva. It came into force in 1948 (UN World Health Day).  WHO 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 persists of six regional offices that develop own strategies and programmes in relation to various health topics. The WHO European Region comprises of 53 countries, the main office is located in Copenhagen.