WHO collaborating centres elevate partnerships to strengthen innovation and unity for health in the Western Pacific

Behind every strengthened health system and innovative approach to health care in the Western Pacific lies a powerful force: collaboration. Across hospitals, laboratories, universities and research centres, people are joining forces through the World Health Organization (WHO) network of collaborating centres, proving that real change happens when science and solidarity come together.

From November 4-5, more than 200 experts from 122 collaborating centres across the 38 countries and areas of the Western Pacific came together in Manila for the fifth time since 2014.

Collaborating centres are specialized institutions - including universities, research centres and public health institutes - designated by WHO to support Member States. In the Western Pacific, they act as extensions of WHO technical capacity, helping countries build stronger, more equitable health systems and respond to challenges ranging from noncommunicable diseases to climate-related health risks.

With the theme, Interweaving Innovation and Unity: Elevating Partnerships for Health and Well-being in the Western Pacific, the two-day forum celebrated how collaboration fuels real change, from tackling antimicrobial resistance and advancing digital health, to reducing the harms of noncommunicable diseases and preparing for future pandemics.

Through discussions and interactive sessions, participants identified concrete opportunities for collaboration under regional priorities, including digital health, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, universal health coverage, immunization and health systems strengthening. These and other priorities propel the shared vision for the work of WHO and Member States: Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (‎2025-2029).

Agreements

• Enhance coordination and synergy between WHO and Collaborating Centres through strengthened communication and joint planning to eliminate duplication and maximize impact across the Region.

• Link research to policy and practice, especially in areas of primary health care for universal health coverage, climate resilient health systems; resilient communities, societies and systems for health security, healthier people throughout the life course and technology; and technology and innovation for future health equity.

• Support Member States in building resilient, people-centred and equitable health systems, guided by evidence generation, capacity development and innovation, with particular focus on reaching the unreached, addressing health inequities and adapting the demographic and environmental change.

• Sustain knowledge exchange, continuous engagement and follow-up mechanisms from the Forum, including an implementation plan, monitoring framework, and regional peer-learning platforms so that the collaborative commitments translate into country-level impact.

"Over the past two days, we have seen how innovation and unity - when interwoven - create powerful pathways for partnerships and collaboration," said Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. "Your discussions and ideas have reaffirmed that the strength of our Region lies in our collective expertise and solidarity.

"I hope that together we have built not only new partnerships but also renewed purpose - anchored in science, trust and compassion. All the more so, at a time when our Region and world are in such need of these attributes - a time when multilateralism is in short supply."

"Our collaborating centres are truly among our biggest assets," added Dr Nino Dal Dayanghirang, Coordinator of the Country Support Unit in the WHO Regional Office. "By helping countries and WHO move the needle on key indicators through practical, tangible programmes and approaches, they contribute immeasurably towards our joint ability to fulfil WHO's vision and mandate of Health for All."

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