Thirty years of experience from the WHO Regions for Health Network: bringing international health policies closer to people

Overview

The WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN) was created 30 years ago. Its focus is the subnational level of policy-making and implementation, with the aim of advancing the delivery of improved population health and well-being at the regional level. In recognition of the RHN’s thirtieth anniversary, this report aims to describe the RHN’s activities over the past 30 years; outline the RHN’s role in regional health policy shaping and implementation; and explain key drivers of the Network. The coauthors sourced information through RHN publications over 30 years, carried out semi-structured interviews with former RHN coordinators, and analysed the results of a 2021 survey of focal points from regions that are members of the Network. Over three decades, the RHN has tackled priority public health areas using approaches that facilitate uptake of WHO policies in regional contexts. The report describes drivers of the Network’s longevity and success, including flexibility to adapt to geopolitical, social and institutional changes, as well as interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. The RHN is instrumental in influencing innovative, dynamic methods of policy-making and implementation at the local level.