As global public health systems face unprecedented financial and systematic pressures, the World Health Organization (WHO) is reaffirming its commitment to support the world's 70 million health workers through innovative learning practices and free access to high-quality lifelong learning. The WHO Academy, opened in 2024, is the cornerstone of this effort, offering support to health professionals worldwide, especially those in low- and middle-income countries.
The newly released WHO Academy: annual report 2024 highlights the Academy's progress since its inception in 2019, that culminated in the official opening of the WHO Academy campus in Lyon, France, and the launch of the WHO Academy online learning platform , in December 2024 . At the time of the opening, nearly 200 WHO courses, including translations in 12 languages, were available on the learning platform, with more being added every week.
"In a time of disruption and constrained resources, the WHO Academy is a bold and cost-effective investment in the future of global health," explained Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "By providing accessible and high-quality, hands-on and practical training and learning to health and care workers around the world, we are strengthening the cornerstone of health systems and ensuring that no country is left behind. This is not just about learning — it's about equity, resilience and global solidarity."
The Academy's digital-first approach has focused on creating an inclusive online platform that supports multiple languages and offers personalized learning experiences through artificial intelligence and machine learning, ensuring accessibility for diverse learners around the world. Courses include critical training in mass casualty management, mental health, climate and health and leadership development.
In addition, strategic partnerships have expanded the number of courses available to learners, with 71 gateway courses (in 15 different languages) made available in 2024. Gateway courses are produced and hosted on external e-learning platforms that can be accessed through the WHO Academy online learning platform.
"The Academy was built to anticipate the evolving needs of the global health and care workforce," said Dr David Atchoarena, Executive Director of the WHO Academy. "We are responding to a clear call from Member States: to equip their health workers with the skills and knowledge needed to face today's challenges and tomorrow's uncertainties. These learning opportunities will support the health workforce to absorb new standards, integrate new technologies and continue to learn throughout their career."
The WHO Academy campus in Lyon, France, is now fully operational, serving as a global hub for health innovation in health learning. The campus includes 22 training rooms, two distance-learning rooms, a simulation centre, an emergency operations centre and a TV recording studio – all aimed at accelerating the development of impactful learning experiences.
The opening of the WHO Academy was only possible with the support of the Government of France, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the City and Metropole of Lyon, as well as the 30 Member States who make up the WHO Academy Group of Friends, dedicated to advancing the WHO Academy in key international forums and advocating for investment in the global health and care workforce.
Download the WHO Academy: annual report 2024 here .
