Role of the WHO in the Indian National Programs

 

Role of WHO in Indian National Programs – Brief Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1948, acts as the global leader in health coordination. In India, WHO has supported significant health achievements such as reduced maternal and child mortality, elimination of polio, neonatal tetanus, and yaws, and a sharp decline in HIV/AIDS cases.

Through the Country Cooperation Strategy (2019–2023), WHO aligns with India’s National Health Policy 2017, supporting goals like universal health coverage (UHC) and increased public health spending, especially for the poor and vulnerable.

Strategic Priority	Key Actions
1. Accelerate Progress on UHC	- Strengthen Ayushman Bharat and Health & Wellness Centres - Improve service quality, especially in maternal & child health, TB, and NCDs - Expand immunization and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases
2. Promote Health & Wellness by Addressing Determinants	- Address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), nutrition, mental health, and road safety - Strengthen health promotion and digital health platforms
3. Protect Population Against Health Emergencies	- Improve disease surveillance, outbreak detection, and response - Enhance preparedness (e.g., AMR, IHIP rollout)
4. Enhance India’s Global Health Leadership	- Improve access to quality-assured medical products - Promote innovation, digital health, and global partnerships

 

WHO has played a vital role in shaping India’s health advancements through three main approaches:

1. Policy Shaping through Evidence & Advocacy

• Revealed higher TB burden, prompting overhaul of India’s TB programme and increased funding.
• Helped launch the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program with free treatment for Hepatitis B & C.
• Contributed to Swachh Bharat Mission with data on open defecation.
• Advocated for mental health services and expanded depression awareness.
• Supported the National Multisectoral Action Plan for NCD control (2017–2022).
• Promoted food safety through evidence on malnutrition and infections.

2. Support for Research

• Backed polio strategy (e.g., fractional IPV dose trials).
• Supported studies on typhoid vaccines and measles diagnostics.
• Contributed to research on AMR, leading to national and state action plans.
• Supported India TB Research Consortium and midwifery policy development.

3. Economic and Strategic Guidance

• Provided economic analysis to guide tobacco tax policy.
• Influenced health policies through impact assessments and burden of disease studies.

WHO’s evidence-based support has led to major health program reforms and innovations in India.

1. Technical Support

• Helped develop key health policies and plans like the National Action Plan on AMR, Viral Hepatitis Control Program, and National Multisectoral Action Plan for NCDs.
• Supported National Strategic Plan for TB (2017–2025) and air pollution strategies including the National Clean Air Programme.
• Contributed to the National Action Plan on Climate Change and Health.

2. Capacity Building

• Trained professionals in data collection, programme design, and M&E.
• Strengthened quality surveillance (e.g., birth defects, maternal deaths, adolescent health).
• Supported innovation to reach HIV 90-90-90 targets.
• Built epidemic intelligence capacity for outbreak response.
• Helped regulate traditional medicine in collaboration with AYUSH Ministry.

3. Health Data System Strengthening

• Led development of IHIP as a unified health data platform.
• Revamped IDSP with real-time, mobile-based disease reporting.
• Set surveillance standards, prioritized diseases, and provided tech/data support.

WHO’s contributions have significantly strengthened India’s health systems, policies, and digital health infrastructure.

1. On-the-Ground Support

• Polio Eradication Legacy: National Polio Surveillance Project now supports other vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Immunization Success: WHO helped boost vaccine coverage (e.g., Mission Indradhanush, measles-rubella campaigns).
• NTD Elimination: Field support for mass drug administration, leprosy, and kala-azar control.
• TB Control: Supported public-private TB care models, DBT scheme, and real-time reporting via NIKSHAY.
• Hypertension: 25 WHO medical officers deployed across districts for the India Hypertension Management Initiative.
• Emergency Response: WHO assisted states like Kerala during 2018 floods with disease surveillance.

2. Transition in WHO’s Role

• Shifting focus from field operations to policy support, advocacy, and addressing chronic diseases.
• Increased collaboration beyond the health sector to include social and environmental determinants.

3. Monitoring & Evaluation Framework (CCS 2019–2023)

• Track DALYs, output/impact targets of 4 strategic priorities.
• Use Country Support Plans, program evaluations, and health impact reports.
• Assess progress in enhancing India’s global health leadership.