Notes

When the Constitution of the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION comes into force (upon acceptance by twenty-six members of the United Nations), it will become a specialized agency of the United Nations. As of May 1st, twelve governments have become parties to the Constitution, of which nine are members of the United Nations. Pending that event, the Interim Commission is developing informal coöperative relations with the United Nations. The Constitution of the World Health Organization, drafted by the International Health Conference, sets forth in detail the broad scope and functions of the organization:

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

The enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.

Healthy development of the child is of basic importance; the ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment is essential to such development.

The extension to all peoples of the benefits of medical, psychological and related knowledge is essential to the fullest attainment of health.

Informed opinion and active coöperation on the part of the public are of the utmost importance in the improvement of the health of the people.