<P> The country office consists of the WR, and several health and other experts, both foreign and local, as well as the necessary support staff . The main functions of WHO country offices include being the primary adviser of that country's government in matters of health and pharmaceutical policies . </P> <P> The WHO is financed by contributions from member states and outside donors . As of 2012, the largest annual assessed contributions from member states came from the United States ($110 million), Japan ($58 million), Germany ($37 million), United Kingdom ($31 million) and France ($31 million). The combined 2012--2013 budget has proposed a total expenditure of $3,959 million, of which $944 million (24%) will come from assessed contributions . This represented a significant fall in outlay compared to the previous 2009--2010 budget, adjusting to take account of previous underspends . Assessed contributions were kept the same . Voluntary contributions will account for $3,015 million (76%), of which $800 million is regarded as highly or moderately flexible funding, with the remainder tied to particular programmes or objectives . </P> <P> In recent years, the WHO's work has involved increasing collaboration with external bodies . As of 2002, a total of 473 non-governmental organisations (NGO) had some form of partnership with WHO . There were 189 partnerships with international NGOs in formal "official relations"--the rest being considered informal in character . Partners include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation . </P> <P> In 1959, the WHO signed Agreement WHA 12--40 with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). A selective reading of this document can result in the misunderstanding that the IAEA is able to prevent the WHO from conducting research or work on some areas . The agreement states that the WHO recognises the IAEA as having responsibility for peaceful nuclear energy without prejudice to the roles of the WHO of promoting health . However, the following paragraph adds that "whenever either organization proposes to initiate a programme or activity on a subject in which the other organization has or may have a substantial interest, the first party shall consult the other with a view to adjusting the matter by mutual agreement". The nature of this statement has led some pressure groups and activists (including Women in Europe for a Common Future) to claim that the WHO is restricted in its ability to investigate the effects on human health of radiation caused by the use of nuclear power and the continuing effects of nuclear disasters in Chernobyl and Fukushima . They believe WHO must regain what they see as "independence". </P>

Who are the world health organisation and what do they do