The World Health Organization *

T H E ATTAINMENT of the highest possible level of hea l th by all the people of the world is the challenging objective of the new World Heal th Organization, whose constitution was signed on July 2 2 , 1946 , by representatives of 6 1 nations. This organization, established by the Internat ional Health Conference held in New York City, is the first fully empowered international agency in public health. The long-existing need for an agency of this kind has become even more pressing within recent years. In the field of heal th, nations are interdependent. Epidemics anywhere in the world are dangerous to other nations. Low standards of heal th place a burden on prosperity and trade, imposing an economic handi cap on every nat ion and on the world as a whole. While the responsibility for heal th within its own borders is of primary concern to each nation, the success of each can be greatly enhanced through international teamwork. Disease must be attacked at its source everywhere. Malnutrit ion, which underlies so much ill health, must be eliminated wherever it exists. Health and medical services in each country must be progressively improved and made available to every citizen. More effective methods for preventing disease and improving heal th and longevity must be sought intensively through scientific research. An equal opportunity for heal th for everyone should be our goal. In particular, medicine and its related sciences must be brought to bear on the problems of mental and emotional ill health. I t is becoming clear t ha t the heal th sciences can contribute to man 's ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment. Thus, improved health enhances s tandards of living, promotes economic prosperity, and contributes to our total objective, which is peace. The fundamental freedoms can be realized only when people are healthful and well nourished.