Many people know WHO from global emergencies like COVID-19. But what does the World Health Organization actually do the rest of the time? How does WHO develop health recommendations ? Does WHO tell countries what to do? And why does trust matter more than ever?

In this special launch episode of Health Reality Check, host Dr Margarida Santos sits down with Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, for a candid conversation about how WHO works behind the scenes, how science becomes public policy, why prevention is often invisible when it succeeds, and the biggest health challenges facing Europe today.

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Health Reality Check is a podcast from the World Health Organization that goes beyond the headlines to explore what the evidence says about today’s biggest health questions. Hosted by family doctor Dr Margarida Santos, each episode brings together leading experts and professionals public health for clear answers to complex questions. From nutrition and cancer to digital health and health inequalities, we put health claims under the microscope. Whether you're making decisions about your own health or trying to make sense of today’s health debates, Health Reality Check gives you the evidence behind the headlines.

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Show notes/links

WHO Regional Office for Europe: https://www.who.int/europe

Heat-health action plans: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/climate-change-and-health/heat-and-health

Second European Programme of Work (EPW2): https://www.who.int/europe/about-us/our-work/second-european-programme-of-work-2026-2030

WHO – what we do? https://www.who.int/about/what-we-do/

No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health

Mental Health of doctors and nurses https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2025-12709-52483-81031

Global Status report on cancer 2026: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240123977