During the 142nd Session of its Executive Board meeting last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) voted to admit the Osteopathic International Alliance into official relations!!!
What does this mean?
“Official relations” is a privilege that the WHO “Executive Board may grant to nongovernmental organizations, international business associations and philanthropic foundations that have had and continue to have a sustained and systematic engagement in the interest of the Organization. The aims and activities of all these entities shall be in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of WHO’s Constitution, and they shall contribute significantly to the advancement of public health.
The Executive Board is responsible for deciding on the admission of organizations into official relations with WHO and shall review this status every three years.” (source: http://www.who.int/about/collaborations/non-state-actors/in-official-relations/en/)