The World Health Organization has launched a new initiative, the Health Leadership Scheme (HLS) to train the next generation of health leaders.
The WHO will recruit young health professionals to a two-year work and training programme, specifically aimed at strengthening the knowledge and skills essential for leadership roles in public health at all levels - national, regional and global. A grant of US$ 5 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides funding for this programme over four years.
The WHO is accepting applications for the programme now, for courses beginning early in 2005.
The first phase of the programme aims to train between eight and 10 young public health professionals over a two-year period. The funds will be used to enrol people who already have public health related backgrounds into a programme which combines formal training with supervised practical work.
The focus of the Service is to develop future health leaders who combine strong technical knowledge with management, strategic and communications skills. Selected candidates will benefit from WHO’s wide access to national leaders and health experts at national and international levels. Graduating candidates will be encouraged to return to work in developing countries in Ministries of Health, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations.
Qualified applicants will be under 38 years of age with an advanced degree in a field related to public health and work experience relevant to public health. At least half will be women; 80% will be from developing countries. This process will be repeated annually.
