A country focus for the WHO Regional Office

for EuropeMarijan Ivanuša

Haris HajrulahovićMelita Vujnović

Batyr Berdyklychev

The focus of WHO work in countries • To provide policy advice and enhance

capacity building• A leadership role in health development

cooperation• Coordinate effectively with the rest of the

UN system

WHO country offices represent one of the three levels of WHO

• The collaboration is well structured and documented in the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA).

• The work is focused on policy advice and development, advocacy, partnership and representation.

Consistency and continuity secured • Provide intelligence• Advocate for health in line with WHO

resolutions• Direct & Coordinate WHO activities at

country levelThe small WHO COs enable WHO to provide assistance and collaboration to the series of member states in an optimal (cost-efficient) way.

Functions of medium-sized offices• Representation function and serving as the interface between the

Regional Office for Europe and the government of the host country. Based on Health 2020 as an overall frame of reference, coordination and brokering of policy advice and WHO technical expertise to address country health needs through public health and health system strengthening interventions.

• Information exchange, communication, public relations and advocacy.

• Management and administration of the entire WHO country work

Functions of medium-sized offices

• Partnering with UN agencies and other stakeholders at country level as well as resource mobilization for health

• Promotion and coordination of cross-border interventions on country and regional health problems

• Health leadership, coordination and communication in health emergencies

• Design of country level projects to address specific health problems

Functions of major “WR” offices• Support WHO work related to health system reforms &

introduction of innovative approaches; institutional strengthening.

• Support strategy development and major resource mobilization (GFATM, GAVI, WB).

• Position health in the centre of strategic agendas: donor coordination, sector reviews (UNDAF).

Functions of major “WR” offices• Lead on health in emergencies: health clusters;

mobilizing partners & resources.• Facilitate work with new donor countries (3 GDOs).• Support and coordination of the work of 3 levels of

WHO at the country level.

Strategic Relations with Countries:role and main functions

• Provide support to the Regional Director and the Executive Management Committee in coordinating and managing effective collaboration with Member States

• Provide support and strategic guidance to Country Offices • In-house coordination of country work • Desk office for Member States without WHO country

presence

Thank you!