The emblem of the World Health Organization (WHO) is a powerful and globally recognized symbol in public health. While it serves as an identifier for the organization, it also carries deep symbolic meaning, particularly in its representation of health and medicine. A key element of this emblem is the “Snake On Doctor Emblem,” more accurately known as the Rod of Asclepius. Understanding this symbol and its place within the WHO logo is crucial to appreciating the organization’s identity and the regulations surrounding its emblem’s use.
The use of the WHO logo is strictly controlled, a measure designed to maintain its integrity and prevent misuse. According to the resolutions set forth by the World Health Assembly, only institutions with official collaborating status with WHO are permitted to use the logo, and even then, solely in direct relation to their work with the organization. This restriction is not merely about branding; it’s about ensuring that the WHO emblem consistently signifies official endorsement and avoids any misleading implications.
The core reason for this stringent control lies in what the WHO emblem represents. It’s not just a visual marker; it’s a statement of endorsement by a globally respected health authority. Using the emblem without authorization, especially for commercial purposes, can falsely suggest WHO approval of products, services, or ideologies. This is why the World Health Assembly resolution WHA1.133 explicitly mandates “appropriate measures” to prevent unauthorized use, particularly in commercial contexts such as trademarks or labels. The WHO’s regulations, accepted by all 194 Member States, firmly prohibit the use of its name, emblem, or logo to promote specific companies, products, or viewpoints.
Alt text: World Health Organization emblem featuring the Rod of Asclepius, a snake entwined around a staff, symbolizing medicine and healing, overlaid on a world map.
To reinforce this protection, many WHO Member States have enacted legislation to safeguard the emblem, logo, and name of the Organization. Furthermore, the WHO emblem, logo, name, and abbreviation are protected under Article 6 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, preventing their registration as trademarks.
The Necessity of Express Written Permission for WHO Emblem Use
The WHO emblem is considered intellectual property. Its use inherently implies WHO endorsement, making explicit written permission a mandatory requirement for its application. This is not simply a bureaucratic hurdle but a safeguard to maintain the emblem’s significance and prevent misrepresentation.
Specifically, the WHO emblem must not be associated with advertising or promotional materials for products or services. It cannot be used alongside proprietary product names or the logos of commercial entities. This restriction is crucial to uphold the WHO’s impartiality and prevent the perception of endorsing commercial interests. Similarly, using the WHO emblem to create a hyperlink is also prohibited, as it could suggest an official connection or endorsement where none exists.
Guidelines for Publications and Websites by External Organizations
Organizations external to WHO seeking to use the WHO emblem on publications, whether in print, electronic, or web formats, must obtain express permission. This permission is contingent upon WHO’s direct involvement in the text’s preparation or the underlying work. Moreover, the content must align consistently with WHO’s established policies and priorities. These conditions ensure that any publication bearing the WHO emblem genuinely reflects the organization’s stance and contributions.
Specific Usage for WHO Collaborating Centres
Institutions officially designated as WHO collaborating centers have specific permissions regarding the use of the WHO name, emblem, and flag. However, these permissions are subject to stringent conditions and are limited exclusively to activities conducted in collaboration with WHO. This controlled usage acknowledges the formal partnership while preventing any unauthorized or misleading application of the WHO emblem. More detailed information is available on the WHO Collaborating Centres webpage.
Restrictions on Media Usage
Even for illustrative purposes, such as in magazine articles about WHO, the use of the WHO emblem is generally discouraged. The concern is that it might be misconstrued as an endorsement by WHO. Instead, journalists and writers are encouraged to utilize alternative visuals that highlight WHO’s work, such as photographs of WHO staff in action, the WHO flag, or its buildings. Similarly, non-WHO websites are typically prohibited from using the WHO emblem to prevent any implication of WHO endorsement of the site itself. Further information for media professionals can be found at the Mediacentre.
Distinguishing WHO Programme, Partnership, and Project Logos
Beyond the primary WHO organizational logo, numerous WHO programs, partnerships, and collaborative projects utilize their own distinct logos to identify their specific initiatives. It is important to note that the usage of these program-specific logos is confined to the respective program, partnership, or project. Often, these initiatives involve collaborations between WHO and other organizations. Crucially, the use of a WHO program, partnership, or collaborative project logo does not automatically imply broader approval or endorsement by WHO as an overarching organization.
Understanding WHO Health Campaign Logos
WHO also develops logos and promotional materials specifically for public health awareness campaigns. These logos are designed to increase visibility and understanding of critical health issues. Specific guidelines regarding the use of WHO health campaign logos are available here. These guidelines ensure that campaign logos are used appropriately and effectively to promote their intended health messages.
In conclusion, the “snake on doctor emblem,” embodied in the Rod of Asclepius, is a central symbol within the WHO logo, representing healing and medicine. The WHO logo itself is more than just an identifier; it’s a protected symbol of global health authority. The strict regulations surrounding its use are in place to preserve its integrity, prevent misrepresentation, and ensure that it consistently signifies genuine WHO endorsement. Understanding these regulations and the symbolism embedded within the emblem is vital for all organizations and individuals interacting with or representing the World Health Organization.
