Building the Future of Public Health Intelligence: WHO Webinar Highlights (2026)

The world is constantly facing new health threats, and the ability to respond effectively hinges on one crucial element: Public Health Intelligence (PHI). From the COVID-19 pandemic to emerging outbreaks, the need for robust PHI has never been more critical. This is why the World Health Organization (WHO) is taking significant steps to strengthen global health security. Let's dive into how they're doing it.

This initiative centers around the launch of the PHI Competency Framework and Curriculum. But what exactly does that mean?

Essentially, the WHO is working to build a stronger, more skilled global workforce capable of gathering, analyzing, and acting on vital health information. This is done through two key components:

• The PHI Competency Framework: This framework outlines the essential skills needed for effective public health intelligence. Think of it as a blueprint defining what professionals need to know and do. It covers everything from spotting early warning signs (detecting signals) and verifying information to analyzing data, assessing risks, and sharing critical information effectively.
• The PHI Curriculum: This curriculum translates the framework's competencies into structured training modules. These modules are designed to be adaptable, ensuring they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different countries and contexts. The goal is to equip health workers with the knowledge and practical skills they need to apply these standards in real-world scenarios.

And this is the part most people miss... The webinar will highlight how these tools can be used by WHO Member States, partners, and educators. This will help them align their training with international standards. The result? A more skilled and adaptable workforce, ultimately improving preparedness and response to public health threats. They are taking an all-hazards and One Health approach.

Here's a quick look at the webinar's objectives:

1. Introduce the concept of Public Health Intelligence (PHI).
2. Highlight the importance of workforce development for advancing PHI capacities.
3. Present the Public Health Intelligence Competency Framework and Curriculum.
4. Showcase practical applications and benefits with examples from different speakers.
5. Set the stage for implementation and further collaborations.

Who's involved?

The webinar will feature several key speakers, including:

• Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, will provide welcome remarks.
• Dr. Philip AbdelMalik and Dr. Raquel Medialdea Carrera will launch the PHI Competency Framework and Curriculum.
• Professor Dr. Johanna Hanefeld will discuss the relevance of PHI for global health security.
• Dr. Nada Ghosn will share Lebanon’s experience.

But here's where it gets controversial... What specific challenges do you think countries face when implementing PHI strategies? Do you believe the curriculum effectively addresses these challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments!