The WHO Academy is establishing a range of flagship initiatives and special programmes with key partners to meet its strategic objectives and the needs of WHO Member States.  

Between 2025 and 2028, these flagship initiatives and special programmes will focus on six priority areas: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Biomanufacturing, Healthy cities, Leadership in public health, One Health competencies and the Nursing and midwifery care workforce.  

By 2030, the world will face a shortage of 10 million health and care workers, with over half of them in Africa. To help WHO Member States strengthen the capacity of their health workforce, the WHO Academy will partner with them and WHO regional offices to create tailored programmes that address specific health system needs. The goal is to develop a comprehensive portfolio aligned with WHO General Programme of Work (GPW 14) priorities.  

The Academy has designed six priority programmes to tackle urgent global health challenges. These programmes offer new and improved learning opportunities. They will be delivered in various learning formats, all adhering to the Academy’s quality assurance standards for adult learning.  

In addition to three flagships, the Academy will continue to develop special programmes throughout the years – three of them are already in development, namely antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Leadership and Nursing. The special programmes will support WHO interventions led by the AMR Division, the Office of the Chief Nurse and various initiatives by regional offices.    

• Biomanufacturing: Design and deliver quality-assured training programmes to empower low- and middle-income countries in biomanufacturing, with a focus on vaccine production in Africa. The flagship also supports WHO Global Biomanufacturing Training Hub, established with the Republic of Korea. 
• Healthy cities: Develop learning materials for urban planners, city councilors, mayors, and other stakeholders to promote health and well-being in cities. The flagship will support WHO’s programme on urban health as well as the healthy cities network, enhancing local preparedness and response capacities. 
• One Health: Assist in designing, developing, and implementing the learning strategy for the WHO One Health Initiative, including the One Health Joint Plan of Action. This plan, developed by the Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH), aims to improve public health and global health security.   

• Antimicrobial resistance: Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year learning initiative to support the WHO’s global strategy on tackling AMR. This initiative will be tailored to the specific needs of Member States. 
• Leadership in public health: Offer a portfolio of global courses for public health decision-makers and managers. These courses will enhance the ability of healthcare systems to respond effectively to community needs.  
• Nursing and midwifery care workforce: Provide lifelong learning resources and programmes for nurses and midwives globally, including leadership training. This programme supports the implementation of the Basic emergency course in 25 countries by 2025.