The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the relaunch of the Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN), which will feature as a dedicated learning space on the WHO Academy online platform. This initiative signifies a pivotal enhancement in health workforce development and educational support for health professionals across Pacific Island nations.
Originally established in 2003, POLHN has provided crucial continuing professional education, bridging the gaps created by geographical distances and limited training resources in the region. Penioni Koliniwai Ravunawa, Assistant Minister of Health and Medical Services of Fiji, expressed optimism regarding the revitalization of POLHN: “Learning will reach every health worker, and it will support care where it is delivered,” emphasizing the importance of accessible education in delivering effective healthcare.
The initiative temporarily paused operations in 2022 due to funding challenges but is now back in action through a collaboration between the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office and the WHO Academy. The retooled POLHN will offer a rich array of tailored courses suited to the distinct needs of Pacific health workers, allowing them greater access to high-quality, competency-based education in areas such as climate change and emergency care.
Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, noted the extraordinary challenges faced by health workers due to distance and resource limitations. The integration of POLHN into the WHO Academy is a reaffirmation of the commitment to provide equitable learning opportunities, ensuring all health workers can learn, grow, and serve their communities effectively.
The WHO Academy is designed to utilize state-of-the-art technology to facilitate flexible and impactful training. Participants can earn digital credentials upon completing courses, helping them advance their careers while receiving recognition for their skills. Additionally, the platform will feature low-bandwidth-compatible and mobile-friendly formats, further improving accessibility for learners.
This initiative comes at a time when there is a pressing need to strengthen the healthcare workforce in the Pacific. As highlighted by recent efforts from other organizations, such as the World Bank, which is training 16,000 healthcare workers to combat the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, initiatives like POLHN represent hope and proactive steps toward building resilient health systems. Such collaborative efforts within the Pacific region illustrate a shared commitment to enhance healthcare delivery and capacity, ultimately promising better health outcomes for all communities involved.
With the revitalization of POLHN, health professionals in the Pacific are presented with unprecedented opportunities for learning, development, and enhancing healthcare capabilities, reinforcing a brighter future for healthcare across the region.