About WHO in Belgium

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO was founded in 1948 to work for the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all peoples. WHO works with 194 Member States, providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, and articulating evidence-based policy options. It also provides technical support to Member States, monitors and assesses health trends, funds medical research and provides emergency aid during disasters. Through its programmes, WHO also works to improve nutrition, housing, sanitation and working conditions around the world. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and has six regional offices around the world.

The European Region (WHO/Europe)

WHO/Europe is one of WHO’s six regional offices around the world. It serves the WHO European Region, which comprises 53 countries, covering a vast geographical region from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. WHO/Europe staff are public health, scientific and technical experts, based in the main office in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 7 technical centres and in country offices in 30 Member States (plus one planned). In addition, WHO/Europe coordinates with the European Union and its agencies, and is host organization and partner of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.

The WHO Representation Office to the European Union

The WHO Representation Office to the European Union (WEU), located in Brussels, Belgium, plays an important role in steering the partnership with the European Union (EU) in close collaboration with WHO’s global, regional and country offices.

WHO European Centre for Health Policy, Brussels, Belgium

The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies is a WHO-hosted partnership that brings together different policy perspectives to identify what health systems and policies evidence Europe’s decision makers need.

Regions for Health Network (RHN)

Since 1993, the WHO European Regions for Health Network (RHN) has helped regions to accelerate the delivery of improved population health. RHN is committed to the implementation of Agenda 2030 and the European Programme of Work (EPW), 2020 –2025.The Network is instrumental in efforts “to support local living environments that enable health and well-being”.