Extension of Mandate and Succession of The World Health Organization (WHO)
The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) was only meant to administer the 1944 Conventions for 18 months which were set to expire on 15 July 1946, however, as the term was coming to an end, there was still nothing in place to replace them. During the San Francisco Conference in 1945, which saw the birth of the United Nations, representatives of Brazil and China proposed that an international health organization be established. At the International Health Conference, held in New York City, between 19 June and 22 July 1946, the Constitution for the World Health Organization (WHO) was drafted and adopted by 61 nations (ten of whom were not members of the United Nations). The Conference also established an Interim Commission (IC-WHO) to function before the Constitution came into force in 1948.
As a result, UNRRA’s administration of the 1944 Conventions was extended until the establishment of WHO was completed. UNRRA worked together with the Interim Commission of the WHO through 1946-1947, gradually transferring its duties as UNRRA’s mandate ended in 1947. The World Health Organization began operating in 1948, ending the work of the Interim Commission of the WHO and absorbing the health functions of the Office international d'hygiène publique, the League of Nations and UNRRA.
