Multilateral cooperation
As part of Switzerland’s foreign health policy the FOPH is actively involved in international organisations, where it represents this country’s interests. Find out here about multilateral cooperation on health-related issues within the World Health Organization WHO, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD and the Council of Europe.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Switzerland is a founding member of the WHO and hosts the organisation's headquarters in Geneva. It is committed to attaining the WHO's goal to build a better, healthier future for people. It also seeks to promote Geneva as the international health capital.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Switzerland collaborates with the OECD on health issues, so as to share knowledge with other countries, contribute its expertise and have its health system evaluated through comparative studies.
Council of Europe
The Council of Europe plays a crucial role in the field of health in its capacity as depositary of conventions between different States. It additionally provides Switzerland with a key platform for sharing expertise.
Switzerland gets seat on WHO Executive Board from 2023 to 2026
The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). Its main functions are to determine the policies of the organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and revise and approve the proposed programme budget.
WHO pandemic agreement
Since 2022, an intergovernmental negotiating body in WHO has been working on proposals for a convention, agreement, or other instrument for pandemic preparedness and response.
International Health Regulations (IHR)
The IHR (2005) govern international collaboration to control any events which pose a threat to public health (infectious diseases, biological or chemical agents, ionising radiation).