WHO

The objective of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health, as defined in the WHO Constitution, is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In support of its main objective, the Organization has a wide range of functions, including the following:

To act as the directing and co-ordinating authority on international health work;
To promote technical co-operation;
To assist Governments, upon request, in strengthening health services;
To furnish appropriate technical assistance and, in emergencies, necessary aid, upon the request or acceptance of Governments;
To stimulate and advance work on the prevention and control of epidemic, endemic and other disease;
To promote, in co-operation with other specialized agencies where necessary, the improvement of nutrition, housing, sanitation, recreation, economic or working conditions and other aspects of environmental hygiene;
To promote and co-ordinate biomedical and health services research;
To promote improved standards of teaching and training in the health, medical and related professions;
To establish and stimulate the establishment of international standards for biological, pharmaceutical and similar products, and to standardize diagnostic procedures;
To foster activities in the field of mental health, especially those activities affecting the harmony of human relations.

WHO also proposes conventions, agreements, regulations and makes recommendations about international nomenclature of diseases, causes of death and public health practices. It develops, establishes and promotes international standards concerning foods and biological, pharmaceutical and similar products.

The permanent WHO staff is based in the country office in Vientiane. No WHO staff is based on province- and district level on a permanent basis.

In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other relevant institutions, the WHO is active in the following areas:

To cover the expenses for the above-mentioned activities, the WHO country office has a biennial budget of approximately 3 million US$.

The office in Vientiane can be contacted regarding publications related to the Lao P.D.R. The library of the office can be used after making arrangements with the staff. A librarian is present Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 – 12 am.

Headquarter, Geneva            Address: 20, Avenue Appia
                                                         CH – 1211 Geneva 27
                                                         Switzerland
                                                         Tel.:(+41 22) 791 21 11

Regional Office, Manila         Address: P.O. Box 2932
                                                         United Nation Ave.
                                                         1000 Manila
                                                         Philippines
                                                         Tel.: (+632) 528 8001
                                                         Fax: (+632) 521 1036

Country Office, Vientiane      Address: That Luang Road
                                                         Ban Phonxay
                                                         P.O. Box 343
                                                         Vientiane, Lao P.D.R
                                                         E-mail: who@lao.wpro.who.int
                                                         Tel.: (+ 856) (21) 413 431
                                                                                  414 264
                                                                                  413 023
                                                         Fax: (+ 856) (21) 413 432

World Health Organization – WHO