The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford as a WHO Collaborating Centre on Primary Health Care. The designation recognises the department’s long-standing contribution to strengthening primary health care systems worldwide.

Moreover, the four-year designation formalises an existing partnership between Oxford researchers and the WHO. Over many years, the department has supported countries seeking to improve their primary health care systems.

In addition, researchers at the department specialise in health systems research, clinical trials, digital health, evidence synthesis and implementation science. Therefore, these areas of expertise will support the WHO and its member states in improving health care services.

🏥 Supporting Global Primary Health Care

The new centre will contribute to the WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work (GPW14). This programme outlines the organisation’s priorities for strengthening global health systems.

At the same time, the strategy places strong emphasis on improving primary health care services worldwide. Primary health care focuses on delivering accessible and high-quality medical care close to where people live.

Furthermore, this approach emphasises coordinated care centred on patients and communities. Consequently, stronger primary health systems can improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.

Through the new collaboration, Oxford researchers will therefore help countries develop and implement policies that strengthen these services.

📊 Three Key Areas of Work

As a WHO Collaborating Centre, the department will focus on three main activities.

First, the centre will translate research evidence into practical policy guidance. Researchers will analyse global evidence and create policy briefs that governments can use to improve health systems.

Second, the centre will support leadership development and international learning networks. Training programmes and workshops will bring together policymakers, clinicians and researchers from different countries.

Finally, the team will develop practical tools and resources that support primary health care reform. For example, governments may use these frameworks and toolkits to guide national health strategies.

🤝 Strengthening Global Health Partnerships

Oxford leaders say the designation strengthens collaboration between universities and international health organisations.

Moreover, the partnership highlights the growing recognition that strong primary health care systems are essential for improving public health.

Meanwhile, global health challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Ageing populations, chronic diseases and climate-related health risks continue to place pressure on health systems worldwide.

Therefore, partnerships between research institutions and organisations such as the WHO can help translate scientific evidence into real-world solutions.

🌱 Advancing Health Systems Worldwide

Over the next four years, the new centre will work closely with the WHO and its member states.

In particular, the collaboration aims to ensure that scientific research informs health policy and decision-making. By sharing expertise and evidence globally, the centre hopes to support stronger and more resilient health systems.

Ultimately, the partnership highlights Oxford’s continued role in advancing global health research and improving primary health care worldwide.