Flag of WHO (World Health Organization)

The flag of the World Health Organization (WHO) is an official and recognizable symbol that embodies its global mission: health for all. It is a powerful visual statement of WHO's commitment to international cooperation in healthcare, combating diseases, and promoting well-being on a global scale. This flag combines the symbolism of the United Nations with a unique medical emblem, making it distinct and meaningful.

Design and Symbolism

The WHO flag has a blue banner as its main background. In its center is the organization's emblem, rendered in white. This emblem combines two key elements:

• UN Emblem: The basis of the emblem is an image taken from the United Nations flag. It features a map of the world, centered on the North Pole, surrounded by two olive branches. The olive branches traditionally symbolize peace, and the world map represents the global scope and universality of the mission.

• Rod of Asclepius: Superimposed on the world map, in the center of the emblem, is the Rod of Asclepius. This symbol consists of a snake entwined around a staff. The Rod of Asclepius is an ancient and widely recognized symbol of medicine and healthcare, dating back to ancient Greek mythology. Its inclusion in the emblem clearly denotes WHO's primary field of work: improving human health.

Dimensions and Proportions

The official WHO flag has standard proportions, typically 2:3, which corresponds to the proportions of the UN flag. The white emblem occupies the central part of the blue banner. Its size is carefully calculated to ensure optimal visibility and recognition from any distance, while maintaining the balance and harmony of the composition.

History of Creation and Adoption

The World Health Organization was founded on April 7, 1948. Its constitution came into force on this day, which is now celebrated annually as World Health Day. The WHO emblem and flag were officially adopted in 1948 at the First World Health Assembly. The emblem's design was deliberately chosen to establish a direct link with the United Nations, emphasizing WHO's status as a specialized UN agency, while clearly distinguishing its field of activity through a unique symbol—the Rod of Asclepius.

Countries and Regions

WHO is a truly global organization, comprising 194 member states. Its activities extend to all continents, covering six regional offices: Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Pacific. This broad network allows the organization to work in close contact with local governments and medical communities, responding to regional and national healthcare needs.

Interesting Facts

• The Rod of Asclepius is sometimes mistakenly confused with the caduceus (a staff with two snakes and wings), which is a symbol of commerce. However, in medicine, the official and correct symbol is the Rod of Asclepius.

• The blue and white colors of the flag, inherited from the UN, were chosen as symbols of peace and neutrality, which is critically important for the organization's work in conflict zones and in providing humanitarian aid.

• The WHO flag is often flown alongside the national flags of countries during important international conferences, emphasizing the joint efforts of states in addressing global health issues.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.