New WHO collaborating centre in Germany to strengthen child and adolescent health

WHO/Europe has designated the Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health at Witten/Herdecke University as a new WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Child Health. The centre will focus on improving quality care for children and adolescents through training, implementation support and evidence generation.

The new centre will coordinate the development and implementation of training materials for the "Pocket book of primary health care for children and adolescents". Its activities will include monitoring and evaluating these processes and conducting research that contributes to "A healthy start for a healthy life: a strategy for child and adolescent health and well-being in the WHO European Region 2026-2030".

"This designation is an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to children's health through strengthening primary health care," said Professor Ralf Weigel. "It will advance our institution's capacity in research, teaching and advocacy for children's health and well-being." He added that he is grateful for the financial support from the Friede Springer Foundation for the centre's work.

"The designation of this collaborating centre marks an important step towards advancing child and adolescent health," said Sophie Jullien, Technical Officer for Child and Adolescent Health at WHO/Europe. "Through innovative training packages and evidence-based resources, we will support health professionals in delivering high-quality care and ensure that every child and adolescent benefits from stronger primary health services."

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that children and adolescents across the WHO European Region have access to high-quality, evidence-based primary health care services.