The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the revitalization of the Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN), which will now operate as a dedicated learning space on the WHO Academy’s online platform. This strategic migration marks a major step in strengthening health workforce development and learning across Pacific island countries, providing health professionals in remote and dispersed areas with easier access to high-quality, competency-based education.
Originally launched in 2003, POLHN has long been a critical tool for professional development in the Pacific, overcoming geographical and infrastructural barriers. During a meeting on the Healthy Islands vision in Fiji, Honourable Mr. Penioni Koliniwai Ravunawa, Assistant Minister of Health and Medical Services, emphasized that the renewed platform would continue to bring learning directly to health workers, keeping training and care closely connected to local needs.
After being temporarily closed in 2022 due to funding issues, POLHN has been re-established through collaboration between the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office and the WHO Academy. The revitalized platform will offer a wide variety of new and existing courses tailored to the needs of Pacific health and care workers. These include WHO Academy courses, fellowships, and leadership programmes from global partners such as the Korea Foundation for International Health (KOFIH), covering topics from climate change and emergency care to noncommunicable disease management.
Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, noted that Pacific health workers face immense challenges due to distance, resource limitations, and workforce shortages. Revitalizing POLHN ensures equitable access to education and helps health workers keep up with medical innovations that often take years to reach remote systems. Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, added that the initiative reinforces WHO’s mission to advance universal health coverage by providing flexible, relevant, and accessible learning opportunities.
The WHO Academy, which delivers advanced, technology-driven training, will award digital credentials to learners upon completion of courses, supporting career growth and skill recognition. The online platform is designed to be mobile-friendly and compatible with low-bandwidth environments, ensuring inclusive access for health professionals across the Pacific.
