The World Health Organization as a Key Venue for Global Health Diplomacy

Abstract

This chapter explores the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) as a venue for and actor in global health diplomacy. It examines the origins and development of the WHO, its structure and processes and how its responsibilities have evolved, as a basis for considering its future role in global health negotiations. This is illustrated by examples of the Member States' negotiations within WHO , showing how it has moved beyond the traditional areas to provide a forum to discuss issues such as global health and trade, intellectual property and health security. This has required a renewed focus on concerns such as policy coherence at WHO between governments and with other sectors and actors. WHO has therefore needed to engage with many new actors in public health decision-making. Global health diplomacy has been central to this development, shaping the way WHO works with others to address new global challenges.