Amid growing financial and structural challenges confronting health systems globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reinforced its dedication to supporting the world’s 70 million health professionals. Central to this mission is a commitment to innovative education and free, high-quality lifelong learning opportunities. Launched in 2024, the WHO Academy stands at the heart of this initiative, offering accessible training especially to healthcare providers in low- and middle-income nations. The newly published WHO Academy: Annual Report 2024 outlines key achievements since planning began in 2019, leading up to the official inauguration of the Academy’s campus in Lyon, France, and the debut of its online learning portal in December 2024. By its launch, nearly 200 WHO-developed courses—translated into twelve languages—were available on the platform, with new content added regularly.

“In an era marked by disruption and limited resources, the WHO Academy represents a bold and strategic investment in global health,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “By delivering accessible, practical training to health and care workers everywhere, especially in underserved areas, we are reinforcing the very foundation of global health systems. This effort is about more than education; it’s about fairness, preparedness, and collective strength worldwide.”

The Academy uses a digital-first model, developing an inclusive, multilingual platform enhanced by artificial intelligence and machine learning. This ensures tailored learning opportunities for health practitioners across various regions. Course offerings span critical topics such as emergency response, mental health, climate-related health concerns, and leadership development. In 2024 alone, 71 so-called “gateway courses” in 15 languages were made available. These courses are hosted on partner e-learning platforms but can be accessed via the WHO Academy online system, expanding reach and engagement.

“The Academy was conceived with the evolving needs of the global health workforce in mind,” explained Dr. David Atchoarena, Executive Director of the WHO Academy. “Member States have voiced a clear demand for tools that prepare their healthcare workers to manage current issues and future uncertainties. Through these programs, professionals will gain the capabilities to adopt new protocols, apply emerging technologies, and engage in continuous learning throughout their careers.”

Now fully functional, the WHO Academy campus in Lyon serves as an international center for healthcare learning innovation. The facility houses 22 training rooms, two virtual learning suites, a simulation laboratory, an emergency operations hub, and a television studio — all designed to deliver immersive and effective educational experiences.

The realization of the WHO Academy would not have been possible without substantial backing from the French Government, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the Lyon City and Metropole, and the support of 30 Member States which make up the WHO Academy’s Group of Friends. This coalition plays a crucial role in promoting the Academy within global forums and fostering investments aimed at empowering the international health and care workforce.