Monaco celebrates 75 years of the WHO

WHO 75 ans

The Constitution of the World Health Organization entered into force on 7 April 1948. The Principality of Monaco joined on 12 July 1948 at the inaugural World Health Assembly, and has been a member even since.

On this 75^th anniversary of the creation of this Organization, tasked by its Member States with enabling all of the world’s peoples to live in the best possible state of health, the Prince Government was keen to be a part of the celebrations, the message of which is “Health for All”.

Recent years have seen the planet shaken by a series of crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic. These have served to confirm beyond all doubt that worldwide health is vital to our societies, and that efforts to ensure health for all are essential.

This belief underpins the Principality of Monaco’s long-standing political and financial commitment to working alongside the WHO, and helping to shape the Organization’s policy.

Every year, the Principality takes part in the WHO’s surveys, providing health statistics that are used to build European and global databases. As a result of these efforts, it has obtained certificates attesting to the eradication of certain diseases, including measles and rubella.

The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, and in particular the Department of Health Affairs, stay up to date with the WHO’s latest recommendations, ensuring they are reflected in the Principality’s range of health policies. 

Finally, Monaco supports the WHO’s work in developing countries as part of international cooperation efforts. Monaco was a strong supporter of the COVAX initiative in response to the Covid-19 health crisis, promoting worldwide solidarity in the face of the pandemic. Several programmes organised by Monaco’s Department of International Cooperation are carried out in partnership with the WHO, including the fight against malaria or polio.

On this day of celebration, Monaco reaffirms its full support for the WHO, and in particular current efforts to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response to health emergencies.