The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for international public health. It was established on April 7, 1948 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO's main objective is to promote and protect the health of people around the world by providing technical assistance and advice to countries, as well as setting international health standards and monitoring global health trends. WHO also works to prevent and control infectious diseases, reduce poverty-related illnesses, and improve access to health care services.