Vol. 517 No. 3
100 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the obstacles, if any, to access to the World Health Organisation and contributing to UNICEF; the steps, if any, being taken at United Nations level to eradicate these obstacles to ensure that the world benefits from the WHO and from the services provided for children through UNICEF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9815/00]
Both the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, have a global membership drawn from the member states of the United Nations and both organisations are active in all their member states.
The World Health Organisation's objective is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF has worked to meet the basic needs of children and to advocate for the protection of the rights of all children and women.
The budget of the World Health Organisation is made up of assessed contributions from member states and associate members. The World Health Organisation also receives voluntary contributions from member states and from other sources.
UNICEF derives its income exclusively from voluntary contributions. These come from two main sources: governments and intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental and private contributions, primarily through the national committees of UNICEF. UNICEF is known and enjoys widespread public support and, as a result, its fund-raising is particularly successful.
I am satisfied that the arrangements governing access and contributions to the World Health Organisation and UNICEF are reasonable and equitable.
