IARC marks World Health Day 2023 by celebrating the 75th anniversary of WHO

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), is proud to celebrate the 75th anniversary of WHO. On World Health Day 2023, it is 75 years since WHO was established on 7 April 1948, which means 75 years of promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.

IARC researchers collaborate with WHO on a variety of important projects, such as the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, and the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. IARC research informed the goals of these initiatives and is vital for monitoring progress towards attaining the targets. The findings of scientists from IARC and partner institutions also provide the evidence base for WHO recommendations. Examples are the recent update to WHO recommendations on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination schedule and the updated WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions for cervical cancer prevention.

IARC was created on 20 May 1965 by a resolution of the World Health Assembly as the specialized cancer agency of WHO. IARC has had its headquarters in Lyon, France, since 1967, at first in temporary accommodation, then from 1972 to 2022 on a purpose-built campus, and since January 2023 in the IARC Nouveau Centre: a state-of-the-art building in Lyon’s Biodistrict with more than 3000 m² of laboratory space and room for 500 researchers and staff members dedicated to creating a world where fewer people develop cancer.

Visit the WHO 75th anniversary webpage 

View the WHO Health for All video 

Read about WHO updates to recommendations on the HPV vaccination schedule 

Read WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions for cervical cancer prevention