WHO/core voluntary contribution

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The WHO is Finland’s most important partner in the development of global health policy. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, in cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, are responsible for implementing Finland's WHO policy. In addition to its assessed contribution from the Ministry for Social Affairs and Health Finland supports WHO through development cooperation funds by giving voluntary contribution that is aimed for the achievement of the strategic objectives and health related Millennium Development Goals especially in developing countries. WHO is a normative specialised agency of the UN system: it has leadership of global health policy, acts as an expert organisation, and builds long-term health policy. It sets international standards and norms for health care and advances their implementation. WHO has an important role in focusing the direction of research and in the application of research results. It also monitors the global health situation and generates health statistics. WHO supports developing countries in establishing health systems and attempts to improve access to medicines therein. As regards humanitarian assistance, WHO is responsible for coordinating the Global Health Cluster.