How to cite world health organization apa style – How to cite World Health Organization (WHO) publications in APA style? This comprehensive guide unravels the intricacies of citing various WHO documents, from reports and guidelines to fact sheets and press releases. We’ll delve into the essential APA style principles, providing clear examples and practical strategies for correctly citing these crucial health resources. Navigating the nuances of WHO’s diverse publications becomes straightforward with this step-by-step approach.
This guide meticulously details the specific requirements for citing different WHO document types, ensuring accuracy and consistency in your academic work. We’ll cover everything from identifying authors and publication dates to formatting citations for online materials and documents with multiple authors or no author listed. Mastering the nuances of APA style for WHO resources will empower you to present your research effectively and ethically.
Understanding WHO Publications for Citation
The World Health Organization (WHO) produces a vast array of publications, from reports and guidelines to fact sheets and press releases. These documents are crucial resources for understanding global health issues and informing public health strategies. Accurate citation of these materials is essential for proper attribution and academic integrity. This section will detail the various WHO document types, their formats, and the elements necessary for proper citation.Understanding the structure and content of WHO publications is crucial for accurate citation.
Different types of publications often have distinct formatting and elements, which influence the citation style.
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So, next time you need to reference WHO, remember the correct APA style for a thorough and trustworthy research experience.
Types of WHO Documents
WHO publications encompass a diverse range of materials, each serving a specific purpose. Reports provide comprehensive analyses of health issues, while guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for practice. Fact sheets offer concise summaries of key information on various health topics.
- Reports: These documents often present detailed analyses of health issues, including statistical data, case studies, and recommendations for action. Examples include the World Health Report and reports on specific diseases.
- Guidelines: WHO guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals and policymakers. They are frequently referenced in clinical practice and public health initiatives.
- Fact Sheets: Concise summaries of key information on specific health topics, these sheets are valuable for quick access to essential details. They are often used for public awareness campaigns and educational materials.
- Technical Documents: These in-depth publications often delve into complex scientific topics and are frequently used by researchers and experts. They may include detailed methodologies, analyses, and supporting data.
- Policy Briefs: These documents summarize evidence and arguments supporting particular health policies. They are often targeted at policymakers and stakeholders.
- Press Releases: These documents announce important news and events related to WHO activities. They frequently include statements from WHO officials.
Publication Formats and Structures
WHO documents vary in their format, reflecting their diverse purposes. Technical documents often employ complex structures to present detailed data and methodologies, whereas policy briefs use a more concise format to communicate key arguments and recommendations.
- Technical Documents: These documents frequently include detailed methodologies, analyses, and supporting data. They often have a complex structure, with sections dedicated to literature reviews, data presentations, and conclusions.
- Policy Briefs: Policy briefs typically use a concise format, outlining the problem, presenting evidence, and recommending solutions. Key elements include executive summaries, problem statements, and recommendations.
- Press Releases: Press releases typically follow a standard format, including a headline, date, location, and a body of text announcing the news. They may also include contact information for further inquiries.
Identifying Authors and Dates
Identifying authors and publication dates is critical for accurate citation. Different WHO documents may list authors in varying formats, from individual authors to multi-author teams or groups. Dates of publication are usually clearly indicated on the document itself, within the title page, preface, or other relevant sections.
Importance of Accurate Citation
Accurate citation of WHO publications is crucial for maintaining academic integrity. It allows readers to trace the source of information and ensures proper attribution of ideas and findings. It is essential to provide accurate details to avoid plagiarism and maintain credibility in academic and professional settings.
Comparison of Citation Styles
| Document Type | Author(s) | Date | Other Relevant Elements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reports | Usually listed at the beginning or end of the report | Usually on the title page or preface | Specific report number or series |
| Guidelines | Often a working group or committee | Publication date of the guideline | Relevant document number, if applicable |
| Fact Sheets | Usually a team of authors | Usually indicated at the bottom or on a separate page | Date of last update or revision |
| Technical Documents | May have multiple authors or contributors | Publication date | Specific document number or series |
| Policy Briefs | Author(s) or organization | Date of publication | Specific brief number, if applicable |
| Press Releases | Usually the WHO or a specific spokesperson | Date of release | Source and contact information |
Citing Specific WHO Document Types

Understanding the various types of WHO publications is crucial for accurate citation. Different document types have specific formatting requirements in APA style. This section provides examples of citing technical reports, policy briefs, press releases, and fact sheets, along with a comparative table to aid in identifying the correct citation format.
Citing a WHO Technical Report
Technical reports often delve into specific research findings and methodologies. Proper citation is vital for referencing the source of this detailed information. A correctly formatted APA citation includes the author(s), year of publication, title, report number (if applicable), and the issuing organization (WHO).
- Example: World Health Organization. (2023). Global health security: Strengthening pandemic preparedness (WHO Technical Report Series, No. 123). Geneva: World Health Organization.
Citing a WHO Policy Brief
Policy briefs summarize key issues and recommendations for action. The citation should clearly identify the brief’s subject matter and the intended audience. Include the author(s), year, title, and the issuing organization (WHO).
- Example: World Health Organization. (2023). Mental health in emergencies: A policy brief. Geneva: World Health Organization.
Citing a WHO Press Release
Press releases disseminate timely information on health issues. A WHO press release citation typically includes the date of release, the title, and the issuing organization.
- Example: World Health Organization. (2023, October 26). WHO Director-General’s statement on the monkeypox outbreak. Retrieved from [Insert URL of press release]
Citing a WHO Fact Sheet
Fact sheets provide concise summaries of key health topics. Citations should specify the subject of the fact sheet, the year it was published, and the issuing organization.
- Example: World Health Organization. (2023). Malaria (Fact sheet No. 390). Retrieved from [Insert URL of fact sheet]
Comparison of WHO Document Types
| Document Type | Key Elements in APA Citation |
|---|---|
| Technical Report | Author(s), year, title, report number (if applicable), issuing organization (WHO), location (e.g., Geneva). |
| Policy Brief | Author(s), year, title, issuing organization (WHO), location (e.g., Geneva). |
| Press Release | Date of release, title, issuing organization (WHO), retrieval date, URL. |
| Fact Sheet | Year, title, subject, issuing organization (WHO), retrieval date, URL. |
Advanced Citation Scenarios

Beyond basic WHO document citations, various situations require nuanced approaches. Understanding these advanced scenarios ensures accurate and consistent referencing, crucial for academic and professional contexts. This section explores several such scenarios, including translated documents, multiple editions, documents with editors, and online repository access.
Citing a Translated WHO Document, How to cite world health organization apa style
When citing a WHO document translated into another language, include the original publication information and the translation details. This ensures readers can access the original work if desired. The translated version’s title, translator’s name (if available), and the year of translation should be included.
- Original Publication Information: Include the original publication year, title, and any other relevant identifying details from the source document, as per standard WHO citation practices.
- Translation Information: Specify the language of the translation, the translator’s name (if known), and the year of the translation.
Example: World Health Organization. (2020).
Mental health and well-being*. (M. Smith, Trans.). [Original publication year and title]. Geneva, Switzerland
WHO.
Citing a WHO Document with Multiple Editions or Revisions
Identifying the specific edition or revision is critical for accurate citations. Clearly indicating the edition number, revision date, or version number helps readers distinguish between different iterations of the same document.
- Edition/Revision Identification: Explicitly state the edition number, revision date, or version number in the citation, for example, 2nd ed., Rev. 3, or Version 1.0.
- Date of Publication: Indicate the date of the specific edition or revision being cited.
Example: World Health Organization. (2022).
Global health strategies*. 3rd ed. Geneva, Switzerland
WHO.
Citing a WHO Document with an Editor or Compiler
If a WHO document features an editor or compiler, acknowledge their contribution in the citation. This is important for attribution and recognizes the role of the editor in shaping the document.
- Editor/Compiler Identification: Include the editor’s or compiler’s name(s) in the citation, usually following the title and authors’ names.
- Role Specificity: If appropriate, specify the role of the editor or compiler (e.g., “Edited by,” “Compiled by”).
Example: World Health Organization. (2021).
Emergency preparedness guide*. Edited by J. Doe & K. Smith. Geneva, Switzerland
WHO.
Citing a WHO Document Retrieved from an Online Repository
When citing a WHO document from an online repository, include the digital object identifier (DOI), URL, and retrieval date. These elements ensure the document’s unique identification and allow readers to access it.
- DOI (if available): Prioritize the DOI for its unique identification of the document.
- URL: Include the specific URL of the document within the repository.
- Retrieval Date: Specify the date when you accessed the document from the online repository.
Example: World Health Organization. (2023).COVID-19 vaccination guidelines*. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from [URL of the document].
Different Scenarios for Citing WHO Documents
| Scenario | Citation Example |
|---|---|
| Translated Document | World Health Organization. (2022).
Health promotion strategies*. (J. Lee, Trans.). Geneva, Switzerland WHO. [Original Publication Info] |
| Multiple Editions | World Health Organization. (2021).
Global health indicators*. 2nd ed. Geneva, Switzerland WHO. |
| Editor/Compiler | World Health Organization. (2023).
Child health guidelines*. Edited by A. Brown & C. Davis. Geneva, Switzerland WHO. |
| Online Repository | World Health Organization. (2024).Tuberculosis prevention handbook*. Retrieved November 15, 2024, from [URL of the document]. |
Final Review: How To Cite World Health Organization Apa Style

In conclusion, this guide serves as your definitive resource for citing World Health Organization materials in APA style. By understanding the nuances of various WHO publications and applying the presented examples and guidelines, you can confidently and accurately cite these essential health resources. Accurate citation is paramount in academic integrity, and this guide empowers you to achieve this standard in your work.
User Queries
What if the WHO document has multiple editions or revisions?
When citing a WHO document with multiple editions or revisions, include the edition number or revision date in the citation, following the specific APA formatting rules for the relevant document type.
How do I cite a WHO document that has been translated into another language?
Include the original language of the document, along with the translated language, in your citation. Refer to APA style guidelines for handling translated materials.
What are the specific rules for citing a WHO website?
APA style dictates that you include the author (if available), date of publication, title of the page, the website’s URL, and the date you accessed the page. For WHO websites, the author is often the WHO itself.
How do I cite a WHO document retrieved from an online repository?
Include the online repository’s name, URL, and retrieval date in your citation, following APA’s specific guidelines for online resources.