“We will continue to prepare the world of tomorrow”, inauguration of a new structure of the World Health Organization in Lyon

The Head of State was in Gerland this Tuesday afternoon to participate in the inauguration of the Academy of the World Health Organization (WHO). The structure aims to become an international reference in health.

“Through this Academy, we will continue to prepare for the world of tomorrow,” declared Emmanuel Macron this Tuesday afternoon in Lyon. After his visit in 2021 for the inaugural ceremony of the WHO Academy, the President of the Republic returned to the capital of Gaul today for the inauguration of the Academy of the World Health Organization (WHO). A site located in the heart of the Gerland biodistrict.

“The health of all peoples is a fundamental condition for world peace. This vision bequeathed by our predecessors more than 75 years ago, they anchored it in the constitution of the World Health Organization. Since then, we have been through a lot of hardships and a few pandemics…”, recalled Emmanuel Macron by way of preamble.

The President of the Republic also spoke of his “emotion” seeing the realization of the project launched five years ago. The Academy project was officially launched with the WHO in June 2019, before the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.

For his part, the general director of the WHO, le Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, wanted to salute the personal commitment of Emmanuel Macron in this project. A commitment to the establishment of the WHO academy in Lyon dating from 2018. Emmanuel Macron notably served as a liaison with local authorities to find the 120 million euros necessary to carry out the project.

“Five years after the announcement of its installation by the President of the Republic, the campus of the Academy of the World Health Organization will open its doors with the ambition of becoming the world reference center for public health training and to improve the quality of care on the ground and access to health products, key elements of health sovereignty”recalled the Élysée in a press release on the eve of the presidential visit to Lyon.

This WHO structure is located at the heart of the Gerland biotechnology research center. The center is home to the International Cancer Research Center, pharmaceutical groups such as Sanofi and the P4 laboratory. The stated objective of this new international structure: prepare new generations of caregivers for the health challenges of tomorrow.

“The WHO announces a shortage of 10 million health professionals by 2030”recalled the Head of State in his speech, pointing out the importance of the mission of this new international structure. The Academy therefore represents an investment in the future in terms of health.

Prevention of pandemics and strengthening the skills of caregivers are at the heart of the training. The Head of State described this structure as “common house serving thousands of health professionals, personal assistance, but also public decision-makers”.

The WHO Academy is already functioning. The first distance learning courses began in the summer of 2021. This new institution aims to train 16,000 learners from all over the world each year and three million people by 2028. The campus hasa crisis exercise center. Learners will thus be able to count on a simulation board equipped with cutting-edge tools.