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 World Health Organization (WHO) is Finland's key international 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. WHO is a specialised agency of the UN system. It has leadership of global health policy, it acts as an expert organization, and it builds long-term health policy. It sets international standards and norms for health care and advances their implementation. 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. In addition, WHO leads the global COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts. WHO provides expert and material assistance especially to countries with a poor capacity to fight the pandemic. Finland contributes five million euros to WHO´s regular resources.