Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation 2009

The WHO is considered one of the most respected international institutions for its efforts towards the coordination and cooperation between countries in health matters. Since its establishment, it has contributed towards the eradication of pandemic diseases such as smallpox, the reduction of cases of poliomyelitis by more than 99%, the prevention and control of infectious diseases; the reduction of child mortality rate; and the detection and management of epidemic outbreaks worldwide.