The establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) emerged from the recognition that health issues transcended national borders and required a cooperative international approach. After the devastation of World War II, there was an urgent need to restore and improve health systems worldwide, and this goal resonated deeply among member states of the newly formed United Nations. WHO was created during the International Health Conference held in New York City, where representatives from 61 countries signed its constitution. The organization officially came into existence on April 7, 1948, which is now celebrated annually as World Health Day.

The purposes of the WHO are manifold; they include directing and coordinating international health efforts, leading the global response to public health emergencies, and helping countries improve their healthcare systems. Its first Director-General, Brock Chisholm, was instrumental in defining the organization’s early objectives, which prioritized combating diseases and promoting overall health awareness. Cholera, malaria, and tuberculosis were among the initial focal points, demonstrating WHO's commitment to addressing prevalent global health issues effectively.

As a response to the pressing need for health leadership, WHO has been pivotal in shaping international health policies, spearheading initiatives such as vaccination campaigns, and establishing health standards that member countries adhere to. Its work has facilitated the eradication of smallpox, addressed challenges posed by antibiotic resistance, and improved maternal and child health worldwide. The establishment of WHO not only revolutionized global health governance but also laid the groundwork for future international health collaborations and treaties, highlighting the interconnectedness of health security, economic stability, and human rights.