Sharing Good Practice to Improve Quality Worldwide
The International Council for Accreditation and Advancement of Public Health Education (ICAPHE) is committed to advancing global quality in public health training. As part of this mission, we are launching a new initiative to share examples of good practice from schools, programmes and training across the world.
With health workforce shortages posing a critical global challenge, sharing what works has never been more urgent. This initiative creates a platform for public health education and training professionals to learn from one another and apply innovative practices in their own settings.
Why Good Practice Sharing Matters
In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicted an estimated shortfall of 7.2 million health professional workers. Ten years later, that estimate had increased to a projected deficit of 10 million by 2030. Low and lower-middle income countries are expected to be most affected, an example of the so-called ‘inverse care law,’ where those in greatest need have least access.
As early as 2006, the WHO called for the establishment of new institutions such as more schools of public health. The focus has recently shifted to strengthening the capacity of existing vocational and educational institutions. This includes development of faculty, competency-based curricula, clinical learning, infrastructure and digital tools. Accreditation and regulation play a vital role in ensuring quality, while global partnerships and technology can accelerate progress.
Sharing good practice across borders helps to improve outcomes more rapidly and efficiently. It allows educators and institutions to benefit from the lessons learned by others, adapt successful models to local contexts, and avoid repeating past mistakes. Ultimately, it contributes to stronger systems, better training and a more effective public health workforce.
What This Initiative Offers
Through our global platform, we aim to showcase innovative approaches in public health education from all WHO regions. Each example offers insights into how schools, programmes and training have responded creatively to local and global challenges.
These sessions are designed to increase understanding of practices in public health education and training. Participants will be encouraged to explore how similar approaches might be adapted and applied in their own contexts.
A Shared Challenge Needs Shared Solutions
As we build this global network of shared good practice, we invite public health schools, programmes, training centres, educators, students, alumni and employers to contribute. Your experience and needs matter. Whether you are developing curricula, designing CPD programmes, integrating technology, starting your public health career journey or employing graduates, your insights can help others improve.
To help us shape this initiative and make it as useful and inclusive as possible, we are conducting a brief Needs Assessment Check-in. Your responses will guide our future work and help ensure we are addressing the most pressing issues and opportunities in public health education today.
© ICAPHE 2025