During the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), presented a report regarding the third pillar of WHO's Triple Billion goals: ensuring one billion more people enjoy improved health and well-being. He spotlighted an often-overlooked issue—that 24% of all global deaths are associated with preventable environmental causes, such as exposure to hazardous chemicals, poor waste management, and pollution. His presentation emphasized the particular challenges facing low- and middle-income countries, such as the widespread lack of poison control centers and insufficient health data systems to evaluate chemical and environmental impacts on human health, which hampers efforts in both prevention and rapid response.

With over 100,000 chemicals circulating in commercial markets, the limited data on their potential health risks complicates efforts to manage environmental releases, including accidental spills and deliberate chemical events.

To boost the preparedness of healthcare providers, emergency teams, and technical personnel in handling chemical risks with expertise, WHO has launched a comprehensive four-part online training series that addresses chemical hazards in various contexts.

Part I: Introductory Concepts on Chemical Hazards gives learners the tools to differentiate between routine household chemicals and substances used intentionally as chemical weapons. It introduces toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and illustrates real-life events involving both accidental and deliberate chemical discharges. Participants also engage with a digital application that helps identify threats and mitigate risks.

Part II: Assessment Fundamentals expands on the initial content by helping participants interpret a range of evidence—environmental indicators, clinical symptoms, and chemical classifications—to effectively evaluate chemical incidents. This segment is geared towards professionals involved in the initial assessment and response stages of a chemical event.

Part III: On-Site Immediate Response concentrates on protective strategies and tactical decision-making during the occurrence of a chemical emergency. Trainees learn best practices for arriving at the scene safely, establishing appropriate positioning, and modifying their actions in line with the situation’s progression.

Part IV: Hospital-Based Response, which is currently under development, will delve into managing patients exposed to hazardous chemicals upon their arrival at medical facilities. This module will cover established response protocols, triage methods, decontamination techniques, and treatment guidelines.

All course modules are freely available through the WHO Academy platform and are designed to be taken in order for the most effective learning experience. This initiative is a component of WHO’s broader commitment to reinforcing global readiness and reaction to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.

Related resources:

• Course 1: Chemical Hazards Part I – Introduction to Chemical Hazards

• Course 2: Chemical Hazards Part II – Elements for Assessment

• Course 3: Chemical Hazards Part III – Immediate Actions at the Event Site

• Course 4: Response at the Hospital Site (Coming Soon)