When was the World Health Organization (WHO) established?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (1):
The World Health Organization (WHO) was officially established and came into legal existence when its Constitution formally came into force on **April 7, 1948**. The initial concept for a global health organization was discussed in 1945 during the United Nations Conference, and the Constitution was drafted in 1946. However, the formal establishment and launch occurred in 1948 after 26 of the original signatory nations ratified the document. This critical date is celebrated annually across the world as World Health Day, underscoring its foundational importance as the specialized UN agency for global public health.

The incorrect option is (2):
The year 1958 is incorrect as the establishment date because it actually marks the 10th anniversary of the World Health Organization. By this point, the WHO was a decade into its work, coordinating international health efforts and conducting various programs worldwide. A publication titled "The First ten years of the World Health Organization" was released in 1958 to commemorate this milestone, confirming that the organization was already well-established.

The incorrect option is (3):
The year 1968 is incorrect because it signifies the 20th anniversary of the WHO, not its founding. By 1968, the organization had grown significantly and was actively engaged in major global health campaigns. Its history during the preceding decade was documented in a review titled "The Second ten years of the World Health Organization, 1958-1967."

The incorrect option is (4):
The year 1978 is incorrect for the establishment date. By 1978, the WHO had been in operation for three decades and was a highly influential global body. This year is particularly notable for the Alma-Ata Declaration, which promoted "Health for All by the year 2000." The span including this year was later covered in the retrospective publication "The fourth ten years of the World Health Organization: 1978-1987."