About WHO in Greece

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.

WHO Country Office in Greece

The new WHO Country Office in Greece was established in 2018 and is located in Athens, providing a platform for daily collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Health and other stakeholders on national health priorities. The Country Office assists the Greek Government in shaping the national health agenda, providing technical support and monitoring and assessing health trends. It supports the host country in its work towards universal health coverage and a sustainable and effective health system, taking a holistic health-system approach. The priorities for the Country Office are set out in a biennial workplan between WHO/Europe and the host country, implemented in close collaboration with national institutions and international partner agencies.

WHO European Centre of Excellence for Quality in Care and Patient Safety

The WHO European Centre of Excellence for Quality in Care and Patient Safety was established in April 2021 in Athens, Greece, with a vision to decisively improve the quality of care and patient safety, inspired by the European Programme of Work (EPW) 2020–2025 – ‘United Action for Better Health in Europe’. The EPW provides an opportunity to reflect on the coherence of policies, structures and resources for quality of health care and implications for policy dialogue, policy formulation and technical assistance at the regional, sub-regional and country levels. Aiming for universal health coverage requires a focus on the importance of quality of care and patient safety across all levels of the healthcare system and beyond, while taking a life-course approach that ensures healthy ageing and quality of services at all stages of life.