Question

Write the short note on:
(i) WHO
(ii) Red Cross
(iii) Functions of WHO
(iv) Quarantine regulations
(v) Radiation hazards

Answer 1

(i) WHO (World Health Organisation) was founded in 1948 after the Second World War. More than 135 countries are members of WHO. Each member country contributes to the annual budget of WHO according to the proportion it can pay. WHO controls international projects on elimination of diseases. WHO works under the aegis of United Nations Organisation (UNO) and has its headquarters located at Geneva in Switzerland. It has 11 different departments, each under the control of Director General. There are departments for the report and control of infectious diseases, for health research, for education and training, for mental health, etc.

(ii) Red Cross is an international organisation founded in 1864 to provide medical aid during emergency conditions such as war. The emblem of Red Cross is a red-coloured cross painted on white background. The functions of Red Cross are:

• to provide medical aid and relief to the victims of natural calamities such as flood, earthquake, famine and fire.
• to provide blood to the victims of war and other natural calamities.
• to provide first-aid facilities to the victim of natural calamities and war.
• to organise workshops to educate people for prevention of accidents.

(iii) Following are the functions of WHO:

• WHO makes information regarding epidemics, diseases, drugs, medical and health publications freely available to all member countries.
• World control of epidemics is organised by WHO through an efficient warning system.
• WHO also provides help to lower the mortality rate of newborn babies.
• WHO gives high priority to programmes that ensure proper sanitation, safe water supplies, protection of food, control of vectors, prevention of pollution in air and water and encouragement of better and healthier housing schemes.
• WHO recommends effective remedies for the prevention and treatment of mental illness.

(iv) Quarantine regulations:
Before Second World War, almost every country had its own regulations for quarantine and vaccination certificates. So, it was difficult for a person travelling to, or through, those countries to know exactly what was required. These requirements vary, often from place to place in neighbouring areas. WHO has now laid down regulations regarding these matters, also about the duration of time; a certificate of vaccination remains valid.

(v) Radiation hazards:
Radiations such as X-rays and gamma rays (from atomic energy) are harmful to health of humans. WHO keeps all countries informed about radiation hazards and gives particular attention to the training of those workers who deal with these hazards. Cooperation with international bodies engaged in this type of work ensures that information on these subjects is kept up to date.