<p>THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that was founded in 1948 (). It leads a world wide alliance for health which recognises that the health sector is only a small part of the effort to improve the overall health of populations. The contribution of the WHO is firmly based in strong values. The guiding principles are those of equity, solidarity and respect for human rights. In her address to the executive board in January 2000, Director General Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland restated the key focus, which is to:</p>