World Health Organization convened first-ever Global Forum of Collaborating Centres, bringing together representatives from 800+ institutions across more than 80 countries. The Forum was held alongside the One Health Summit 2026, hosted by France, and served as a platform for global dialogue, collaboration, and strengthening partnerships in public health.
Key Highlights of Forum
- Brought together global network of WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs)
- Focused on emerging health threats in a fragmented global environment
- Emphasised need for:
- Stronger international cooperation
- Collective investment in health systems
- Coordinated global responses
- Highlighted risks of declining global health financing
- Stressed that local health crises can escalate into global emergencies without collaboration
- Concluded on April 9, 2026 with renewed commitment toward integrated partnerships
- Next Global Forum scheduled for 2027
About WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs)
- Institutions such as research institutes, universities, and academies designated by WHO
- Appointed by the WHO Director-General
- Support WHO programmes in areas like:
- Communicable diseases
- Nutrition
- Mental health
- Chronic diseases
- Health technologies
Historical Background
- Concept dates back to League of Nations era
- WHO established its first reference centre in 1947 (World Influenza Centre, London)
- 1949 World Health Assembly policy:
- WHO should not create its own research institutions
- Instead, it should utilise and coordinate existing institutions globally
Global Presence
- 800+ Collaborating Centres in 80+ countries
- In India: 58 WHO Collaborating Centres across biomedical and allied fields
Functions of WHO Collaborating Centres
- Collection and dissemination of health information
- Standardisation of terminology, diagnostics, and procedures
- Development and application of health technologies
- Providing reference services and substances
- Participation in collaborative research
- Training and capacity building
- Coordination of multi-institutional activities