Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres: Collaborating for a Healthier Future
Why It Matters
A more coordinated WHO Collaborating Centres network can turn dispersed scientific capacity into rapid, evidence‑based public‑health action, strengthening global resilience to emerging health crises.
Key Takeaways
- •800 WHO collaborating centres convene in Lyon, France.
- •Network spans 80+ countries, bridging scientists and policymakers.
- •Participants emphasize turning data into evidence-driven policies for global health.
- •Forum aims to ignite collaboration amid fragmented public‑health landscape.
- •Visibility gaps risk underutilizing the network’s collective expertise.
Summary
The Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres convened in Lyon, France, bringing together roughly 800 centres from more than 80 nations, with additional participants joining virtually. The gathering highlighted the scale of the WHO’s public‑health network and its ambition to become more visible and coordinated.
Speakers underscored that while the centres generate vast scientific data, much of their work remains invisible and disconnected, limiting its impact. They stressed the need to transform data into evidence, evidence into science, and science into policies that can address fragmented global health challenges.
A recurring refrain—“turning data into evidence, evidence into science, and science into policies”—illustrated the network’s mission. Participants noted that trust in science and institutions is being tested, making coordinated action essential.
If the network can harness its collective expertise, it could accelerate responses to pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate‑related health threats, delivering more effective, evidence‑based policies worldwide.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...