The Global Health Observatory (GHO) Data Repository is a large database containing medical and public health information from countries around the world. The GHO was created by the World Health Organization (WHO), which currently maintains the data and uses it as a source for its policies and publications. Ensuring open access to medical data is one of the primary objectives of the observatory, so the database and online tools are designed to offer a user-friendly experience with minimal technical expertise required.
About the GHO Data Repository
The GHO’s repository is the official gateway to statistical information related to health in the 194 member countries of the WHO. While the database prioritizes health issues that are particularly dangerous or widespread, users can find information about hundreds of different diseases and other conditions. GHO personnel apply scientific methodology and curation principles in their data collection, but individual data points are not guaranteed to be accurate.
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Purpose and Stated Mission
The WHO Global Observatory on Health R&D, often simply called the Observatory, is a centralized database for the purposes of aiding medical research and development. The online database is designed to provide accurate, current and comprehensive information about health issues around the world. The WHO gathers data from various credible sources as they build the database, including research projects, census results and reports from local healthcare providers.
Types of Data Available
The GHO repository contains a broad selection of information ranging from case study reports to broad statistical surveys. Users can track healthcare coverage in different countries around the world, comparing costs, standards and overall quality of life. The database includes details about hundreds of different health indicators, allowing readers to pinpoint and track specific issues. The observatory also includes information about health conditions related to age and gender, as well as general risks to global health.
Public Accessibility
Public accessibility is an important aspect of the GHO, whether the user has medical or technical expertise. In fact, the WHO continues to accept feedback from users regarding the accessibility, accuracy, and convenience of their online database, according to the World Health Organization. Online users can access the database through the WHO’s official website, where they can navigate to specific topics of interest. Information is broken down into categories, like contagious diseases, substance abuse, and child nutrition to help readers quickly find what they need.
Interactive Visual Aids
As part of their program to increase public accessibility of the Observatory’s data, the GHO allows users to show health information in a convenient display format. The interactive maps feature creates colorized global maps that highlight statistical differences across geographical and national borders. The GHO interactive media features also make it easy for users to print and share the maps on social media to help spread awareness about critical health issues around the world.
The Observatory is just one of the WHO programs designed to draw attention to international health issues as well as potential solutions. The GHO Data Repository is a relatively recent addition that encourages public accessibility and provides journalists, scientists and other professionals with a unified resource for research.
