GNAPH Signs Historic MOU with WHO to Strengthen Global Public Health Workforce

The Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH) has marked a significant milestone in global health collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Health Organization (WHO). This event took place during the recent Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) meeting, coinciding with the official handover of the GNAPH presidency from Dr. Laura Magaña to Professor John Middleton.

Strengthening the Global Public Health Workforce

The signing of this MOU reflects a shared commitment to advance the WHO’s health workforce roadmap, underscoring the vital role of academic institutions in preparing future public health professionals. The agreement positions GNAPH as a strategic partner in shaping a competent, sustainable public health workforce capable of responding to global health challenges.

A highlight of the ceremony was a recorded message from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reaffirming the importance of global academic collaboration in strengthening health systems. The inclusion of this message was made possible through the support of Jim Campbell (WHO), with coordination led by Professor John Middleton and Professor Robert Otok.

Relevance to the Asia Pacific Region

For the Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH), this collaboration opens new avenues for regional academic institutions to engage with global frameworks, including the WHO’s Global Competency and Outcomes Framework for Public Health Workforce. It reinforces the collective responsibility of public health schools and programs in aligning curricula with global standards and in addressing local workforce gaps.

This MOU serves not only as recognition of GNAPH’s pivotal role but also as an invitation to APACPH members to contribute meaningfully to this global agenda. Through collaborative efforts, academic institutions can help ensure that public health professionals are equipped with the skills and competencies necessary for 21st-century public health challenges.

Acknowledgements

We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Laura Magaña for her leadership, and to all contributors who facilitated this milestone—particularly Jim Campbell, Professor John Middleton, and Professor Robert Otok.

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