Introduction
Advancing equity and achieving universal health coverage remain central imperatives as the world navigates towards the culminating stage of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) era. The World Health Organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14) underscores the need for stronger data foundations, enhanced evidence and robust digital health information systems to ensure that policies and programs effectively address inequities and reach those most at risk of being left behind.
In response to these priorities, the WHO Health Inequality Monitoring Network (hereafter “the HIM Network”) has been established as a dedicated technical collaboration platform to advance the implementation of the Inequality Monitoring and Analysis Strategy 2022–2027. The Network aims to strengthen the ability of Member States to generate, analyse and use disaggregated data to inform evidence-based action on inequality.
The first round of institutional members was inducted into the HIM Network in 2025, consisting of 12 institutions across all six WHO Regions. More information about the Network and its current membership may be accessed at the Network homepage.
Who Can Apply
The HIM Network shall consist of representatives from academic institutions with demonstrated expertise in health inequality monitoring or closely related fields, as well as governmental agencies with a technical mandate linked to health inequality monitoring. Academic institutions contribute to the Network’s mission through their role in education, skill development and research, fostering specialized knowledge and training to advance health inequality monitoring.
The Network aims for equitable membership across all regions and therefore encourages applications from institutions in low- and middle-income countries to strengthen balanced global participation.
All entities seeking to participate in the HIM Network must meet the following criteria:
- The aims and purposes of the entity should be consistent with the WHO Constitution and conform with WHO policies, rules, and procedures;
- The entity should contribute significantly to the advancement of public health and to the purpose, mission, and goal of the HIM Network;
- The entity should respect the intergovernmental nature of WHO and the decision-making authority of Member States as set out in the WHO Constitution;
- The entity should be actively working in the field of health equity, health inequality monitoring, and related fields with proven experience and expertise in the subject matter;
- The entity should have an established structure, constitutive act, and accountability mechanism;
- The entity, if a membership organization, should have the authority to speak for its participants and have a representative structure;
- The entity is required to fulfil the language proficiency criteria established by the HIM Network, as the primary language of communication within the HIM Network is English;
- Individuals are not eligible to join the HIM Network.
Duties and roles of network participants
Each participant in the HIM Network is expected to commit to strengthening the capacity for health inequality monitoring by:
- Supporting WHO in identifying the needs for training courses and targeted capacity-building workshops for Member States;
- Familiarizing themselves with WHO publications, methods, tools and resources on health inequality monitoring and adhering to WHO guidelines shared within the HIM Network;
- Sharing knowledge and experience to develop and co-deliver training programs based on WHO health inequality monitoring methods, tools and training resources, tailored to the needs of WHO and its Member States;
- Providing technical input for WHO’s consideration that may inform its activities in delivering training programs to support establishing robust and effective inequality monitoring systems in Member States.
- Providing technical input for WHO’s consideration that may inform its activities in delivering training programs to support establishing robust and effective inequality monitoring systems in Member States;
- Providing technical inputs to WHO that may support strengthening technical expertise for health inequality monitoring in Member States, fostering continuous learning and improvement;
- Providing technical inputs for WHO’s consideration that may inform its work for effectively integrating data disaggregation into health information systems, while ensuring accurate and meaningful interpretation of disaggregated data in Member States;
- Facilitating the exchange of best practices and lessons learned regarding health inequality monitoring, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing across Member States;
- Providing technical input for WHO’s consideration in improving existing and new methods, approaches, tools, and technical resources for health inequality monitoring.
Benefits of Joining
- Contribution to Global Impact: Participate in initiatives to reduce health inequalities globally, contributing to evidence-based policy changes.
- Visibility and Recognition: Showcase your organization's commitment to health equity through participation in Network activities, including capacity strengthening, evidence dissemination, research, and innovation.
- Access to Global Network: Collaborate and exchange knowledge with global stakeholders and leaders in health inequality monitoring.
- Enhanced Capacity: Access resources and technical expertise to strengthen your organization’s capabilities in addressing health inequities.
How to Apply
Interested parties are invited to express their interest by completing an application and detailing information related to their eligibility to be a member of the WHO HIM Network, furnishing information related to:
- Organization Overview: Provide a brief background of your organization or respective department, division, or unit within the institution.
- Organizational Commitment: Present your organization's commitment, expertise, and experience in monitoring (and addressing) health inequalities, aligning your interests with the purpose of the HIM Network.
- Proposed Contribution: Outline your proposed contributions, including resources and research initiatives that will amplify Network impact.
Details of the application process are available here.
Submission Process
Complete the online application form here. A PDF version of the form is available here (this may be used to prepare the submission; however, please use the online link to officially submit).
All participation applications undergo evaluation and approval by the WHO HIM Network Secretariat. Participant approval will be determined through evaluation, including a due diligence process and a review of submitted documents in alignment with the eligibility criteria and WHO's rules and policies.
Submission Deadline: 15 February 2026
Contact Information
For inquiries or additional information, please contact:
WHO HIM Network Secretariat at [email protected]
Sincerely,
WHO HIM Network Secretariat