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World Health Organization Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The World Health Organization: History, Functions, and Impact

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The World Health Organization: History, Functions, and Impact Study Guide

Founding and Early History

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established and commenced its operations on April 7, 1948.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the WHO's constitution was adopted on April 7, 1948, marking its establishment date, the organization formally commenced its operations on September 1, 1948.

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The International Sanitary Conferences (ISC) were precursors to the WHO's international health coordination efforts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The International Sanitary Conferences (ISC), which began in 1851, served as foundational efforts in coordinating international health responses and disease control, preceding the establishment of the WHO.

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The WHO's constitution was signed by all 194 current member states simultaneously in 1946.

Answer: False

Explanation: The WHO's constitution was signed in 1946 by 51 UN member states and 10 additional countries, not all 194 current member states simultaneously.

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The Soviet Union temporarily withdrew from the WHO because the organization refused to share the penicillin recipe.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Soviet Union and its constituent republics withdrew from the WHO in 1949 due to the organization's refusal to share the penicillin recipe; they rejoined in 1956.

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Viktor Zhdanov, representing the USSR, proposed a global initiative to eradicate smallpox in 1958.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1958, Viktor Zhdanov, representing the USSR, proposed a global initiative to eradicate smallpox to the World Health Assembly, leading to the adoption of a resolution on the matter.

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On what date was the World Health Organization established?

Answer: April 7, 1948

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on April 7, 1948, when its constitution came into force.

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Which historical health organizations' assets and duties were integrated into the WHO upon its founding?

Answer: The League of Nations' Health Organization and the Office International d'Hygiène Publique.

Explanation: Upon its establishment, the WHO incorporated the assets, personnel, and duties of the League of Nations' Health Organization and the Office International d'Hygiène Publique.

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What historical series of conferences, starting in 1851, served as precursors to the WHO's international health coordination?

Answer: The International Sanitary Conferences (ISC)

Explanation: The International Sanitary Conferences (ISC), which began in 1851, served as foundational efforts in coordinating international health responses and disease control, preceding the establishment of the WHO.

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Who was instrumental in the initial proposal for an international health organization under the UN?

Answer: Szeming Sze

Explanation: Szeming Sze, a delegate from the Republic of China, was instrumental in discussions that led to the creation of an international health organization under the UN.

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What distinguished the WHO among UN specialized agencies when its constitution was signed in 1946?

Answer: It was the first UN specialized agency to receive universal member subscription.

Explanation: The WHO's constitution was signed in 1946 by 51 UN member states and 10 additional countries, making it the first UN specialized agency to achieve universal member subscription.

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Structure, Governance, and Operations

The WHO headquarters is located in New York City, USA.

Answer: False

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland, not New York City.

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The WHO operates six regional offices located across different continents.

Answer: True

Explanation: The WHO maintains six regional offices, strategically located to address the diverse health needs of different geographical areas worldwide.

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Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus assumed the role of Director-General of the WHO on July 1, 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus began his tenure as the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 1, 2017.

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What is the location of the World Health Organization's (WHO) headquarters?

Answer: Geneva, Switzerland

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. This location serves as the central hub for its global operations.

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Who is the supreme legislative and decision-making body of the WHO?

Answer: The World Health Assembly (WHA)

Explanation: The World Health Assembly (WHA) functions as the supreme legislative and decision-making body of the WHO, responsible for setting the organization's policies, approving its budget, and appointing the Director-General.

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What is the principal role of the World Health Assembly (WHA) within the World Health Organization (WHO)?

Answer: To serve as the supreme legislative and decision-making body of the WHO.

Explanation: The World Health Assembly (WHA) functions as the supreme legislative and decision-making body of the WHO. It is responsible for setting the organization's policies, approving its budget, and appointing the Director-General.

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Core Functions and Global Health Mandate

The World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, extending beyond the mere absence of disease.

Answer: True

Explanation: The WHO's foundational definition, as stated in its constitution, defines health as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,' emphasizing a holistic approach.

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The WHO's core functions do not include establishing international standards for biological products.

Answer: False

Explanation: Establishing international standards for biological products is indeed one of the core functions of the World Health Organization (WHO).

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The WHO's logo features the Caduceus, a symbol associated with commerce and communication.

Answer: False

Explanation: The WHO's emblem prominently displays the Rod of Asclepius, a symbol recognized in classical antiquity as representing healing and medicine, not the Caduceus.

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The WHO's definition of neglected tropical diseases has been praised for its broad scope.

Answer: False

Explanation: The World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of neglected tropical diseases has faced criticism for being too narrow, rather than being praised for its broad scope.

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The WHO's first global conference on air pollution and health took place in 2018.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inaugural global conference on air pollution and health, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO), took place in 2018.

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The WHO recommended that children aged two to five should limit sedentary screen time to two hours daily in 2019.

Answer: False

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended in April 2019 that children aged two to five should limit sedentary screen time to one hour daily, not two hours.

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The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is designed to improve patient safety during surgical procedures.

Answer: True

Explanation: The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is a globally recognized tool developed to improve patient safety and reduce complications during surgical interventions.

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What is the primary role of the World Health Organization (WHO)?

Answer: To coordinate responses to international public health issues and emergencies.

Explanation: The primary role of the World Health Organization (WHO) is to coordinate international efforts in addressing public health issues and emergencies, aiming to ensure the highest possible level of health for all people globally.

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As stipulated in its constitution, what is the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of health?

Answer: A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Explanation: The WHO's constitution defines health as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,' emphasizing a holistic approach.

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Identify the activity that is NOT considered a core function of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Answer: Developing new international currency exchange rates.

Explanation: The WHO's core functions involve disease control, health advancements, and setting international standards. Developing international currency exchange rates falls outside its mandate.

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Which area is currently a significant priority for the World Health Organization (WHO)?

Answer: Addressing non-communicable diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) currently prioritizes addressing non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, alongside other critical areas like mental health and universal healthcare coverage.

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What symbol, representing healing and medicine, is prominently featured on the World Health Organization's (WHO) logo?

Answer: The Rod of Asclepius

Explanation: The WHO's logo prominently features the Rod of Asclepius, a symbol widely recognized as representing healing and medicine.

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What criticism did the WHO face regarding its stance on condom use in 2003?

Answer: It was criticized for opposing condom use by the Roman Curia's health department.

Explanation: In 2003, the WHO criticized the Roman Curia's health department for opposing condom use, deeming such statements dangerous in the context of the ongoing global HIV/AIDS pandemic.

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What is the World Health Organization's (WHO) stance on tobacco use, as evidenced by its key initiatives?

Answer: It has initiated the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and promotes tobacco-free environments.

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) actively combats tobacco use, notably by initiating the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003 and promoting tobacco-free environments, including internal policies against hiring smokers.

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Key Public Health Achievements

The global eradication of smallpox is considered one of the WHO's most significant public health achievements.

Answer: True

Explanation: The global eradication of smallpox, declared in 1979, is widely recognized as one of the most significant public health achievements spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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The WHO's malaria eradication program, launched in 1955, aimed solely to control malaria, not eradicate it.

Answer: False

Explanation: The malaria eradication program, initiated in 1955, initially aimed for the complete global eradication of malaria, although its objectives were later adjusted in many regions to focus on control.

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The WHO launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1974.

Answer: True

Explanation: The WHO launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1974 as part of its efforts to increase access to essential immunizations.

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The WHO's 'Health For All' objective was proclaimed in 1977.

Answer: False

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed the ambitious objective of 'Health For All' in 1978, following its development of the first list of essential medicines in 1977.

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Between 1990 and 2010, WHO interventions led to a 70% decrease in tuberculosis deaths.

Answer: False

Explanation: Between 1990 and 2010, WHO interventions contributed to a 40% decrease in tuberculosis deaths, saving an estimated 7 million lives.

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Which of the following is a major public health achievement credited to the WHO?

Answer: The global eradication of smallpox.

Explanation: The global eradication of smallpox is widely recognized as one of the most significant public health achievements spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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What was the initial objective of the WHO's malaria eradication program launched in 1955?

Answer: To completely eradicate malaria globally.

Explanation: The malaria eradication program, initiated in 1955, initially aimed for the complete global eradication of malaria, although its objectives were later adjusted in many regions to focus on control.

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When was smallpox officially declared eradicated by a Global Commission?

Answer: 1979

Explanation: Smallpox was officially declared eradicated in 1979 by a Global Commission, marking a monumental achievement in public health.

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In which year did the World Health Organization (WHO) proclaim the objective of 'Health For All'?

Answer: 1978

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed the ambitious objective of 'Health For All' in 1978, following its development of the first list of essential medicines in 1977.

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What was the impact of the World Health Organization's (WHO) interventions on tuberculosis mortality between 1990 and 2010?

Answer: By leading to a 40% decrease in tuberculosis deaths and saving millions of lives.

Explanation: Between 1990 and 2010, WHO interventions contributed to a significant 40% reduction in tuberculosis deaths, saving an estimated 7 million lives through the promotion of effective treatment practices.

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Major Health Crises and Responses

The WHO declared the H1N1 influenza virus outbreak a pandemic in April 2009.

Answer: True

Explanation: The WHO declared the H1N1 influenza virus outbreak a pandemic in April 2009, later transitioning it to a post-pandemic phase in 2010.

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Following the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the WHO was praised for its efficient bureaucratic processes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) faced significant criticism regarding its bureaucratic processes, inadequate funding, and structural issues in its response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

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The WHO declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on March 11, 2020.

Answer: False

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020. The classification as a pandemic occurred on March 11, 2020.

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The Trump administration suspended US funding to the WHO in April 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: In April 2020, the Trump administration announced the suspension of US funding to the WHO. This decision was later reversed by the subsequent Biden administration.

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What was the WHO's role during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: It coordinated global responses, issued guidelines, and supported vaccine research and distribution.

Explanation: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO played a crucial role in coordinating global responses, issuing guidelines for prevention, supporting vaccine research, and facilitating vaccine distribution through initiatives like COVAX.

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What was a criticism directed at the WHO's response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak?

Answer: Bureaucratic processes and inadequate funding.

Explanation: Following the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) faced criticism concerning its bureaucratic processes, inadequate funding, and structural issues within its regional organization.

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What reform measures did the WHO implement after the Ebola outbreak?

Answer: Established a Contingency Fund for rapid emergency response and bolstered its Health Emergencies Programme.

Explanation: In response to criticisms following the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the WHO established a $100 million Contingency Fund for rapid emergency response and significantly bolstered its Health Emergencies Programme to enhance its operational capacity.

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On what date did the World Health Organization (WHO) declare the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic?

Answer: March 11, 2020

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020.

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What actions did the United States administration take regarding funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: Suspended funding and initiated withdrawal, later reversed by the subsequent administration.

Explanation: The Trump administration suspended US funding to the WHO in April 2020 and initiated the withdrawal process in July 2020. This decision was subsequently reversed by the Biden administration, which reinstated US funding.

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In what month and year did the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declare that COVID-19 was no longer a global health emergency?

Answer: May 2023

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 was no longer a global health emergency in May 2023.

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Data, Financing, and Partnerships

The WHO estimated in 2012 that approximately 12.6 million people died annually due to unhealthy environments.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2012, the WHO estimated that approximately 12.6 million deaths annually were attributable to living or working in unhealthy environments.

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The WHO's Global Health Observatory (GHO) is primarily used for managing employee payroll.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Global Health Observatory (GHO) serves as the World Health Organization's (WHO) primary platform for accessing health data and analyses, and for monitoring global health trends, not for managing employee payroll.

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MiNDbank is a WHO database focused on mental health, substance abuse, and disability.

Answer: True

Explanation: MiNDbank is indeed a World Health Organization (WHO) database that provides comprehensive information on mental health, substance abuse, and disability, as part of the QualityRights initiative.

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The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a WHO sub-department focused on cancer prevention research.

Answer: True

Explanation: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concentrates on conducting and coordinating research into the causes of cancer, which inherently includes aspects of cancer prevention research.

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The WHO is financed solely through voluntary contributions from member states.

Answer: False

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) is financed through a combination of assessed contributions from member states and voluntary contributions, not solely through voluntary means.

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The WHO's Working Group on Sustainable Financing aims to increase voluntary contributions to 50% of the base budget.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Working Group on Sustainable Financing aims to reform the WHO's funding strategy by proposing an increase in *compulsory member dues* to 50% of the base budget, rather than focusing on increasing voluntary contributions.

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What is the primary purpose of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Health Observatory (GHO)?

Answer: To provide a platform for accessing health data and monitoring global health trends.

Explanation: The Global Health Observatory (GHO) serves as the World Health Organization's (WHO) primary platform for accessing health data and analyses, enabling the monitoring of global health trends.

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What is the principal focus of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which operates as a specialized agency of the WHO?

Answer: Conducting and coordinating research into the causes of cancer.

Explanation: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concentrates its efforts on conducting and coordinating research into the causes of cancer and identifying potential carcinogenic hazards.

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What are the primary sources of financing for the World Health Organization (WHO)?

Answer: Through assessed contributions from member states and voluntary contributions.

Explanation: The WHO is primarily financed through a combination of assessed contributions from its member states, determined by their wealth and population, and voluntary contributions from member states, foundations, and other partners.

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