Objectives/functions

The objective of the programme is to provide effective coordination and support to Member States in order to provide access for all populations to interventions for the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases, including zoonotic diseases.

WHO is fully committed to achieving those Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with health components. In WHO's Medium-Term Strategic Plan 2008-2013, the organization's core functions are described as:

• providing leadership on matters critical to health and engaging in partnerships
• shaping the research agenda
• stimulating the generation, dissemination and application of valuable knowledge
• setting norms and standards and monitoring their implementation
• articulating ethical and evidence-based policy options
• providing technical support
• catalyzing change and building sustainable institutional capacity
• monitoring the health situation and assessing health trends.