About WHO in Georgia

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 Country Office

Georgia became a WHO Member State on 16 May 1992, and a liaison office was opened in Tbilisi the following year. In 2005 the liaison office became the WHO Country Office, Georgia. The Country Office plays a crucial role in administration, consolidation, management and enhancement of WHO collaboration in the country. It also acts as an interface between the Government and WHO, assists in informing the Government regarding WHO policies, and elaborates strategies and activities while providing advice on health care sector development and intersectoral health issues. The Country Office’s main priorities are set out in the biennial collaborative agreement (BCA) between WHO/Europe and Georgia. It implements the BCA in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, national institutions and international partner agencies.