LYON, France (BG) – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the French government have inaugurated the WHO Academy, a cutting-edge learning centre designed to revolutionize global health education and training.
The Academy, located in Lyon, is poised to become a global hub for health professionals, policymakers, and researchers, equipping them with essential skills to address modern health challenges, including pandemics and emerging threats.
During the launch ceremony in Lyon’s Gerland bio-district, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the significance of this initiative. “The health of all people is a fundamental condition for world peace,” he stated at the newly constructed 11,000-square-meter campus, funded with €120 million from France.
“WHO estimates a projected shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030,” the French head of State reminded in his speech, highlighting the importance of the mission of this new international structure.
According to the WHO, the projected shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030 will primarily impact low- and lower-middle-income countries. However, nations across all levels of socioeconomic development face challenges related to the education, employment, deployment, retention, and performance of their health workforce.
A Commitment to Global Health Equity
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the Academy’s ambitious mission to promote health equity. “Your investment in the WHO Academy is an investment in equity, health, and education,” he said, addressing the attendees.
Dr. Tedros expressed gratitude to France for its support, particularly acknowledging President Macron’s leadership: “France’s strong commitment to the success of the WHO Academy, especially His Excellency President Macron’s personal engagement since our very first conversation, has been instrumental.”
Dr. Tedros highlighted that by 2028, the Academy aims to train three million health workers worldwide, fostering global health resilience and preparedness.
Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Global Learning
The WHO Academy seeks to strengthen global health systems by providing equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities through both online and in-person platforms.
Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie, affirmed her organization’s support for the Academy.
“The WHO Academy will count on the support of the International Organization of La Francophonie, which will assist national and multilateral efforts to promote training policies for health personnel in Francophone networks. The well-being of populations depends above all on health and education,” she said.
President Macron echoed this sentiment, tweeting after the ceremony: “Five years ago, I pledged to open the WHO Academy campus in Lyon. Today, we inaugurate it. At the service of the health of all people, this common house will train millions of health professionals, encourage research, and foster innovation.”
A Global Commitment to Health Education
The Group of Friends of the WHO Academy, a coalition of nations and organizations, also expressed their collective support for the initiative. In a declaration published Tuesday, the group stated:
“We, the member countries of the Group of Friends of the WHO Academy, reaffirm our commitment to support the WHO Academy, an essential tool for strengthening the skills and competencies of human resources for health, in order to achieve universal health coverage and increase global access to quality health services.”
Members of the Group of Friends of the WHO Academy: Belgium, Benin, Canada, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Chile, Congo Brazzaville, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Haiti, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Luxemburg, Norway, Qatar, Rwanda, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, United Kingdom
Member International Organizations of the Group of Friends of the WHO Academy: Commonwealth, International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF)
Most countries, especially underdeveloped ones working to strengthen their health systems and healthcare workforce, will greatly benefit from the WHO Academy’s offerings.
