Ethics and health

Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Bioethics

The Global Health Ethics unit works together with the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Bioethics, which is a well-established network of institutions in different geographical locations and with relevant expertise in this field. These institutions represent a valuable resource as an extended and integral arm of WHO's capacity to implement its ethics mandate.

The Global Summit of National Bioethics Committees

The Global Health Ethics unit at WHO provides the permanent secretariat for the Global Summit of National Bioethics Committees.

An increasing number of nations have created official bodies to provide advice to their executive and legislative branches, and often to the general public, about bioethics. Termed "National Commissions", "Advisory Committees" and the like, they are appointed by Chief Executives, Ministers of Health, and legislatures, to analyse and offer conclusions and recommendations about current issues in bioethics, and the ethics of health more generally, especially as such issues bear on potential needs to develop national policies and to adopt legislation.

The Global Health Ethics Seminars Series (GHES)

The Global Health Ethics Seminar Series provides an opportunity to raise the issues, challenge the global community, debate and provide solutions on a common platform. The Wellcome Trust with its interest in global ethical issues, and the York University with its interest in the history of medicine and inter-sectoral linkages, are natural partners in this activity. The Global Health Ethics Unit is proud to host this series and be a part of this endeavor.

Better health for everyone, everywhere

We are building a better, healthier future for people all over the world.

Working with 194 Member States, across six regions, and from more than 150 offices, WHO staff are united in a shared commitment to achieve better health for everyone, everywhere.

Together we strive to combat diseases – communicable diseases like influenza and HIV, and noncommunicable diseases like cancer and heart disease.

We help mothers and children survive and thrive so they can look forward to a healthy old age. We ensure the safety of the air people breathe, the food they eat, the water they drink – and the medicines and vaccines they need.

The WHO Office of Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics (CRE) promotes transparency and management of corporate-level risk, within the framework of WHO’s ethical principles.

To this end, CRE promotes the practice of the ethical principles derived from the international civil service standards of conduct for all WHO staff and associated personnel.

CRE provides clear and action-oriented advice in a secure and confidential environment where individuals can freely consult on ethical issues. The aim is to help individuals in performing their duties professionally and fairly, and to manage their personal affairs in a way that does not interfere with their official responsibilities.