The prerequisites for the formation of an international organization in the field of health care as a specialized UN agency for international leadership and coordination of urgent issues of improving human health, prevention and control of diseases have been determined. The conditions, factors and stages of the creation and activities of the World Health Organization are identified. The author's periodization of the formation and development of the world health care system is presented. It was found that WHO actively develops interaction with the private sector and supports initiatives on public-private partnerships for health in Member States, intensifies work with non-governmental organizations and member participants, providing them with comprehensive assistance. The analysis identified the World Health Organization as a specialized organization that plays a leading role in addressing global health challenges, sets norms and standards, develops evidence-based policy options, provides technical support to countries, and monitors and evaluates trends in the health sector.