GK Quiz on WHO: A Trivia Challenge on the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in safeguarding global health. This GK MCQ quiz will test your knowledge on various aspects of this esteemed organization, including its founding, key functions, global health initiatives, and its impact on promoting well-being worldwide. Get ready to put your understanding of the WHO to the test!

1. When was the World Health Organization founded?

a) 1920

b) 1948

c) 1975

d) 2000

Answer: b) 

Explanation: WHO mentions: "Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable" 

2. What is the headquarters of the WHO?

a) New York City, USA

b) Beijing, China

c) London, UK

d) Geneva, Switzerland

Answer: d) 

Explanation: WHO is headquartered in  Geneva, Switzerland  

3. What is the primary objective of the WHO?

a) To promote global trade

b) To improve global health

c) To address global poverty

d) To resolve international conflicts

Answer: b) 

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) works to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.  

4. Which of the following is NOT a function of the WHO?

a) Providing technical assistance to countries

b) Setting international health standards

c) Monitoring outbreaks of infectious diseases

d) Regulating the use of pharmaceuticals

Answer: d) 

Explanation:The World Health Organization (WHO) does not regulate the use of pharmaceuticals. While they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines, individual countries are responsible for regulating their use within their borders. 

5. Which country was most recently awarded malaria-free certification by the World Health Organization (WHO)?

a) Belize

b) El Salvador

c) Cabo Verde

d) Sri Lanka

Answer: c) 

Explanation: The most recent country to be certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) was Cabo Verde.

6. The Director-General of the WHO is currently (as of March 2024):

a) Margaret Chan

b) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

c) Gro Harlem Brundtland

d) Hiroshi Nakajima

Answer: b) 

Explanation: The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) as of March 2, 2024, is Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He was elected for his first term in May 2017 and re-elected in May 2022 for a second five-year term.

7. Which of the following is NOT a major program of the WHO?

a) Global Polio Eradication Initiative

b) Mental health and well-being program

c) Maternal and child health program

d) Education and training program

Answer: d) 

Explanation: While education and training are vital aspects of the WHO's work, they are not a distinct "major program" like the others listed.

8. The WHO plays a major role in coordinating the global response to:

a) Public health emergencies

b) Political conflicts

c) Economic crises

d) Natural disasters

Answer:  a) 

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) is primarily focused on health-related issues, and its expertise lies in coordinating global responses to situations like pandemics, epidemics, and other public health emergencies.

9. What is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)?

a) A global list of medical interventions

b) A system for classifying diseases and injuries

c) A database of clinical trials

d) A directory of healthcare professionals

Answer: b) 

Explanation: The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a globally recognized medical classification system developed and maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

10. The WHO works closely with other international organizations, such as:

a) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

b) World Trade Organization (WTO)

c) International Monetary Fund (IMF)

d) World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Answer: 

Explanation: While the WHO interacts with various international organizations on different issues, the one it works with most closely related to its core functions is United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)