Member States of the World Health Organization have had a crucial role throughout WHO's history

Since 1948, thanks to the diversity and the commitment of its 194 member states, the World Health Organization has had a profound impact on improving the health of human beings around the world. The collective work of WHO member states has led to the eradication of smallpox. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The International Health Regulations. And the decision to establish an intergovernmental negotiating body to develop an instrument for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. So, how do member states work together to achieve tangible results? The World Health Assembly, or WHA, is the decision-making body of WHO and is comprised of its member states and associate members. In May, all delegates come together to lead the way. They agree on WHO policies, approve its budget and priorities, and every five years, they appoint the Director General of WHO. The Executive Board, also known as the EB, acts as an executive body to prepare and support the work of the WHA. The WHA and the EB adopt resolutions which offer the collective recommendations of the member states. How did WHO member states respond to the disruption and tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic? With nearly triple the number of intergovernmental processes to work through, member states worked day and night, making vital decisions that would improve the lives of billions. Strengthening preparedness and response to health emergencies became an urgent need. WHO member states have worked tirelessly towards a pandemic instrument, as well as filling gaps from the International Health Regulations of 2005. Finally, they decided to strengthen WHO's governance and financing to better serve those who need it most. The dedication of WHO delegates to the advancement of human health is remarkable, finding common ground between the visions of 194 member states as they continue across generations, geographies, time zones, cultures and languages. Happy 75th anniversary to the World Health Organization. We, member states and the Secretariat, make our organization strong. We are the future.