In July, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Vanke School of Public Health (VSPH) at Tsinghua University, People’s Republic of China, launched a two-year collaboration to strengthen global health emergency preparedness through research, capacity-building and the application of frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing global health security through science, innovation and partnerships,” said Dr Stella Chungong, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Emergency Preparedness. “Together, we will generate practical solutions and strengthen the capacities needed to better prepare for future health emergencies.”
Under the agreement, WHO and Tsinghua VSPH will collaborate in four key areas:
- operational and implementation research on pandemic preparedness, risk assessment and global health security governance, guided by WHO research priorities;
- application of frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence-enabled analytical and decision-support tools;
- training and capacity-building, including academic exchanges, online/offline training materials and workshops for public health professionals; and
- technical collaboration on WHO benchmarks for strengthening health emergency preparedness, preparedness metrics and knowledge products related to health emergency preparedness.
Professor Huang Cunrui, Vice Dean of the Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, welcomed the partnership and highlighted the role of frontier technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, alongside interdisciplinary research and international cooperation in addressing emerging health challenges.
Building on previous cooperation between WHO and Tsinghua University, the agreement provides a platform for sustained collaboration in research, training and technology. The partnership will support innovation, strengthen public health expertise and contribute to advancing health emergency preparedness globally.