• Healthcare education accounts for only about 2% (approximately US$ 110 billion annually) of total health expenditures.  
• It is estimated that every dollar invested in WHO brings a return on investment of US$ 35.   
• The WHO Academy will mobilize support to shape the world’s first global healthcare learning hub and contribute to the WHO’s objective of saving 40 million lives.  

Low investments in health and limited prioritization of the health workforce have exposed critical weaknesses in health systems and exacerbated inequalities. Currently, healthcare education accounts for only about 2% (approximately US$ 110 billion per year) of total health expenditures, which is insufficient to meet the healthcare needs required to achieve SDG 3 targets.   

Investing in health education has never been more crucial post-Covid 19 and with new and reemerging global health challenges. WHO’s unique position in the worldwide health architecture makes it a particularly advantageous investment, with an estimated return of US$ 35 for every dollar invested. 

Achieving a unified learning ecosystem requires partnerships across various sectors. Stakeholders from education, public health, sustainable development, technology, and other fields have contributed to the WHO Academy’s development. Notably, the French government, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Lyon metropole, the City of Lyon, the Institute of France, and private sector partners have contributed to the establishment of the WHO Academy.  

The Academy is an integral part of the WHO’s Transformation Agenda and key towards realizing WHO’s strategic objectives. It is part of the WHO core budget and aims to support the mobilization of resources through the 2025-2028 investment round. Contributions from partners will ensure the Academy’s stability and sustainability while delivering tangible impacts.  

The Academy will work closely with its partners and contributors:   

• WHO Member States: By developing modules for lifelong learning, Member States will advance their countries' health and economic development.  
• Development Banks: By fostering training and economic development in beneficiary countries.  
• Multilateral Organizations: By supporting courses that help the implementation of the initiatives and programmes they promote at country level.  
• Philanthropies and the Private Sector: By facilitating knowledge sharing and the dissemination of the latest innovations and technologies.  

The Academy is committed to providing global public goods and ensuring equitable accessibility of lifelong learning to all. It will rely on diverse funding sources, including financial contributions from Member States, donors, the philanthropic community, and the private sector to achieve this.  

How can you support us?  

Financial contributions to the WHO Academy  

Partnering with the academy in developing or delivering training programmes as guided by the WHO Academy Collaboration Framework.  

Reach out to the team to see how you can contribute and for more information: academy@who.int