A Lens on Global Health: NOOR’s collaboration with the World Health Organization

In 2020, NOOR embarked on an ongoing collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), aligning our vision of impactful visual storytelling with the communication goals of WHO.

From the bustling streets of Mali to the remote landscapes of the Solomon Islands, our lens has been there to document WHO's unwavering commitment to health access.

Embarking on a Global Journey:
Over 30 photographic missions have unfolded, supporting WHO regional teams in diverse emergency response activities, including vaccination campaigns (for yellow fever, COVID-19, cholera), environmental crises (floods, summer fires, hurricanes), and even within the complex context of war, such as in Ukraine. Thus far, we have accompanied WHO missions in Mali, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Solomon Islands, Madagascar, Spain, South Africa, Nigeria, France, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Russia, Bangladesh, DRC, UK, Libya, Pakistan and beyond. 

This collaboration extends beyond the surface, delving into independent, in-depth visual storytelling on crucial themes like access to health for people with disabilities or those with non-communicable diseases. The result is a visual narrative that not only informs but deeply resonates with audiences worldwide.

Building WHO's Visual Library:
One of the notable achievements of this partnership is the substantial contribution to building WHO's photo library. Through our extensive network and talent scouting experience, we have brought together photographers from around the globe, ensuring a rich and diverse visual representation of WHO's initiatives.

At the heart of the collaboration lies a synergy between the WHO headquarters in Geneva, regional teams on the ground, and NOOR's comprehensive approach to photography management. This includes talent scouting, nurturing, and editing, ensuring that each project is a harmonious blend of local expertise, global perspective, and our commitment to storytelling excellence. 

Local Talent, Global Impact:
What sets us apart in partnerships such as these is our dedication to developing local talent. Often working with photographers we have previously trained through our educational programs, NOOR ensures that our mission of talent development translates into real-world impact. By collaborating with local photographers, we not only bring authenticity to our work but also foster sustainable partnerships within the communities we serve.

As the world faces unprecedented health challenges, the collaboration between NOOR and WHO stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling in promoting global health awareness. 

– See below a selection of stories –


FRANCE - University Hospital Lyon laboratories: sequencing and respiratory viruses

AFGHANISTAN - 12 ways WHO supports health in Afghanistan

ETHIOPIA: Impact of drought, floods and conflict on health

KENYA - Cholera outbreak response in Kenya

KENYA - WHO response to food insecurity and drought

MADAGASCAR - WHO response to Cyclone Batsirai

MALI - COVID-19 vaccination from Bamako to Ménaka

NIGERIA - Responding to a yellow fever outbreak amidst a global pandemic

PAKISTAN - WHO response to summer floods

POLAND - Ukrainian refugees arrive in Poland during the first days of war

SIERRA LEONE - Mobile health teams bring COVID-19 vaccination to hard-to-reach communities

SPAIN - Summer wildfires

SUDAN - WHO support activities in camp for refugees from Tigray

UGANDA - Ebola disease outbreak response in Uganda

UKRAINE - First days of war in Kyiv

UNITED KINGDOM - National COVID Memorial Wall