10 The World Health Organization provides technical cooperation to Member States in support of countries’ efforts to improve the health of their citizens. Under its Constitution, WHO’s functions are, amongst others, to:
- support the strengthening of health services;
- promote cooperation among scientific and professional groups that contributes to improved health;
- promote improved teaching and training standards in health, medical and related professions.
20 In response to this mandate, the WHO Fellowships programme serves as a mechanism to support Member States in developing their Human Resources for Health (HRH) by strengthening institutional and individual capacity through training. A WHO Fellowship offers individuals and groups a range of training opportunities with specific learning objectives and competencies, corresponding to approved country health and health-related plans, policies, and priorities, and aiming at relevant impact in the context of national capacity building. Training modalities vary and include academic degree or non-degree courses, research, technical training, professional development, observations, study tours and seminars; they may be on-site or virtual, short-term or long-term in duration; and may take place in appropriate training institution or the field inside or outside of the fellow’s home country.
30 In 1983, the WHO Executive Board passed a resolution urging Member States to be highly selective in requesting fellowships and to explore the wide variety of alternative training and learning mechanisms available. Thus, a WHO Fellowship, whether for study at home or abroad, should be requested only when it is the most appropriate means of achieving clearly defined objectives based on training and development needs analysis conducted by the country and when the appropriate employment of the fellow on return is assured. In 1991 the Executive Board reinforced this plea to Member States.
40 The WHO Fellowship programme currently is a tool to support Member States to scale up the production of health personnel to overcome the critical challenges in human resources for health in line with World Health Assembly resolution WHA59.23 and as highlighted by the World Health Report 2006. It is a significant means of WHO support for the development and strengthening of human resources for health capacity, contributing to the health system performance of its Member States.
50 The WHO Fellowship Programme was among the first of the programmes established by the Organization since it was founded in 1948. With more than 1000 fellows per year and approximately 120 000 fellows trained under this programme, WHO is considered to be the biggest single fellowship provider within the United Nations system. This programme is specifically addressed to developing countries to build their capacities in practically all technical areas.
