World Health Organization celebrates its 75th anniversary 

World Health Organization (WHO), founded in 1948, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year on April 7 - World Health Day. In connection with this historic day, a series of events are planned to be held throughout the year by the WHO within the framework of the "Health for All" campaign. 

The 75th anniversary of the WHO provides an opportunity to look back o the achievements in the field of public health that have improved the quality of life over the past 70 years in the country and globally. This outstanding event can also be seen as an opportunity to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in the healthcare field in the near future, while also spurring progress toward health for all. 

On this occasion, Dr Hande Harmanci, WHO Representative in Azerbaijan and Head of the Country Office, delivered a speech on " World Health Organization's 75 years of Leading the Charge in Global Health" at Azerbaijan Medical University (AMU). At the event, Dr. Geray Geraybeyli, rector of the university, delivered his opening speech and expressed his satisfaction with the close cooperation with the organization. At the meeting attended by more than 200 students, Dr. Harmanci informed the participants about WHO's mission, structure, current activities, achievements gained in the world and Azerbaijan, and opportunities for cooperation.  

Due to close cooperation and continuous support, Dr. Harmanci was awarded the "Certificate of appreciation" by Dr Garaybeyli at the event. In the end, students' opinions were heard and their questions were answered. 

The WHO constitution is the first document in history that officially recognizes health as a human right. Since then, significant progress has been made toward the implementation of this idea. Globally, life expectancy has increased from 46 to 73 years, even in the poorest countries. Smallpox has been eradicated, and polio is almost completely eradicated. All these achievements are only two important points of the work done by the Organization during its 75 years of existence. In addition, malaria has been eliminated in 42 countries, HIV and tuberculosis epidemics have been stopped, and at least one tropical disease has been stopped in 47 countries. 

In the past five years, the first vaccines for Ebola and malaria have been developed and licensed. For the past 3 years, WHO has coordinated the global response to the worst health crisis of this century, the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Azerbaijan has also achieved many successes in the field of health care. Thus, in 2002, it was given the status of a country free from polio, and in 2023, from malaria. WHO Collaborating Centre (СС) on prevention and control of TB in Prisons is the only one of its kind in the world, established for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in prisons. 

Mentioning all these issues in her speech, Dr. Harmanci emphasized the role of purposeful joint action in achieving every success: "We achieved these achievements together with our local partners and we are proud to play a leading role in these activities. I hope that in the future, our relations will become stronger and we will achieve universal health coverage."