Networks of WHO collaborating centres

Networks of collaborating centres have been created in many technical areas. See below some current examples.

Traditional, Complementary and Integrative medicine (TCI)

Traditional, Complementary and Integrative medicine (TCI) has a network of 25 WHO collaborating centres, and new proposals for designation under review.

The WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy  2014-2023 guides the work of TCI globally. The strategic objectives and actions and proposed indicators outlined in the TM Strategy serve as reference to align the terms of reference and workplan with the expertise of every WHOCC.  The subject areas span from herbal medicines to non-medicines interventions in the area of TCI, with collaborative activities ranging from research, capacity building and technical advice to policy implementation.  WHOCC’s are a major technical resource and are advised to develop their workplan for implementing the global and regional strategies/resolutions on TCI.  WHO intentionally invites several WHOCCs to participate in WHO technical meetings to encourage interaction in subareas of expertise. In view the diverse nature of TCI globally, WHO gives due consideration to geographical representation and expertise of proposed WHOCCs to enable collaboration between the WHOCCs in the network. Currently there is representation from all Regions except AFRO and EMRO (under discussion with ROs on this subject).  In the past WHO has held meetings of WHOCC Directors to promote information exchange between the WHOCCs and planning collaborative activities.  More such meetings will be organized in future depending on availability of resources.  Certain Regions, for example WPRO, regularly organize meetings of their Regional WHOCCs wherein WHOCCs for TCI get an opportunity to explore collaboration with other WHOCCs –  on TCI and other subject areas in the Region. 

Link to TCI webpage on WHOCCs 

Radiation

The WHO’s Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network (REMPAN) was established in 1987 in order to fulfill WHO's mandate under the two international conventions on Early Notification and Assistance (IAEA, 1987). The key purpose of the network is to support WHO’s work in assisting member states in building relevant national capacities for emergency medical and public health assistance to people over-exposed to radiation, as required by the International Health Regulations (2005). REMPAN’s scope also includes research and development of medical countermeasures against radiological and nuclear emergencies.

WHO BioDoseNet is a global network of biodosimetry laboratories whose role is to support management and decision-making in cases of large radiation emergency events where the capability of individual laboratory is likely to be overwhelmed. In preparedness for such events, the BioDoseNet focuses on harmonization of methodology, quality assurance, knowledge-sharing, and inter-comparison exercises.

Nursing and Midwifery

The Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centers for Nursing and Midwifery is an independent, international, not-for-profit, voluntary organization comprising WHO collaborating centres across all six WHO Regions who are focused on nursing and midwifery development.  The mission of Global Network of WHOCCs for Nursing and Midwifery is to promote Health For All populations through the collaboration, communication, and cohesion of the nursing and midwifery global community and its partners.  The primary goals of the this network are to 1) Promote health for all through collaboration, communication, and strategic partnership, 2) Promote global human resources for health development through the provision of key resources and communications, 3) Advocate for the nursing and midwifery role, leadership, and contribution to the WHO Health For All platforms.