World Medical Association

The World Medical Association (WMA), founded on 17 September 1947, is an international organization representing physicians, through their national medical organization. The organization was created to ensure the independence of physicians, and to work for the highest standards of ethical behaviour and care by physicians. It is an independent confederation of about 80 National Medical Associations.

One of its major activities is maintaining the Declaration of Helsinki on ethical human subjects research. It also offers position statements and education in medical ethics.

It is neither a United Nations agency nor part of the World Health Organization. The Nuremberg Code was the motivator for its creation.