The emblem of the World Health Organization (WHO) was chosen by the First World Health Assembly in 1948. It features the United Nations symbol surmounted by a staff with a snake coiling around it, known as the Rod of Asclepius. This staff with a snake has long been a symbol of medicine and the medical profession, originating from the ancient Greek god of healing, Asclepius, whose cult involved the use of snakes. The emblem symbolizes healing and medicine and is a recognized international symbol of health
. The WHO emblem is part of the organization's intellectual property and its use is strictly regulated. It implies endorsement by WHO and may only be used with express written permission, primarily by institutions collaborating officially with WHO. Unauthorized use, especially for commercial purposes or advertising, is prohibited to prevent misleading associations with WHO endorsement
. In summary, the WHO emblem is a medically symbolic design incorporating the UN emblem and the Rod of Asclepius, chosen in 1948 to represent the organization's mission in global health.
