Fellowships
World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean

Contact us   |   Fellowships home   |   EMRO home |   © 2004 WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean

Home > Definition of WHO fellowships

A WHO fellowship, as a significant component of human resources development, encompasses a range of specially tailored training modalities of determined duration for individuals and groups in the fulfillment of specific learning objectives, corresponding to approved health and health-related plans, policies, and priorities, and aiming at relevant impact in the context of national capacity building.  Such training may be of short or long duration and may take place in an appropriate training institution or the field inside or outside the fellow's home country.

The fellowships activities can be seen as very coordinated, well-organized, timely processes that help the nominated fellows of the countries to be placed appropriately, enjoying a   fruitful training program, and become efficient members of human resources of their countries. This goal cannot be accomplished without a close cooperation and coordination of different parties namely; the national governments, WR offices, the host countries and institutions. This is the role and responsibility of fellowships unit to make this happen besides many other administrative formalities necessary to provide an easy and comfortable travel and stay for the fellows.

By virtue of its Constitution, WHO is required, inter alia:

• to assist governments in the strengthening of health services;

• to promote cooperation among scientific and professional groups which contribute to the advancement of health;

• to promote improved standards of teaching and training in the health, medical and related professions; and thereby to help national administration to raise the level of health.

One of the ways in which WHO endeavors to achieve these aims is through its Fellowship Programme, which provides opportunities for:

a)    specialist training in the candidate’s own country where suitable facilities exist;

b)   training and study in health matters which may not be available in the candidate’s own country;

c)    the international exchange of scientific knowledge and transfer of technology.