Picturing Health: Highlights from the World Health Organization archives

Eric Schwab, Polio in Denmark (1952)

Paul Almasy, Malaria control in Mexico (1962)

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health for all. We lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives throughout the whole life course.

WHO organized its first professional photographic mission in 1951. Today WHO’s photography collection contains more than 60 000 images – a vast visual record devoted to picturing health.

On WHO’s 75th anniversary, this exhibition contains the highlights from our archives, with a focus on stories produced from the 1950s to the 1970s by some of our most prolific contributing photographers, including Robert Doisneau, Monique Jacot, Paul Almasy and Eric Schwab.

Learn more: 75 years of improving public health

Organizations

World Health Organization (WHO)

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues, and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
Photoville

Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.

In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.

By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.

Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.

For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com