Partner: WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Education & Training, Imperial College London
Client: Public Health Authority (formerly Saudi CDC), Ministry of Health, KSA

Our WHOCC contributed to the design and development of the first National Public Health Academy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—an initiative launched during the COVID‑19 pandemic to strengthen national public health capacity.

Project Overview

This national‑level programme aimed to build a sustainable and skilled public health workforce by establishing a dedicated academy offering competency‑based training, professional development, and knowledge exchange. Due to pandemic restrictions, the entire project was delivered virtually, making it a pioneering example of remote international capacity building.

WHOCC led the project with Itkan Consultancy in KSA and Saudi Public Health Authority stakeholders to develop the evidence-based, strategic framework and operational plans needed to establish the Academy.

Key Components of the Project

1. International Benchmarking

• Conducted a comparative review of leading public health education models across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, South Korea, the ECDC, and the WHO Academy.
• Analysed best practices in workforce development, governance models, competencies, and training pathways.

2. National Situational Analysis

• Reviewed existing public health training provision across ministries, universities, and health organisations in KSA.
• Carried out interviews with senior leaders and managers within the Public Health Authority and external stakeholders.
• Facilitated focus groups with potential trainees across the Kingdom.
• Completed SWOT, PESTEL and gap analyses to map current capabilities and future needs.

3. Vision, Mission & Strategic Framework

• Co‑developed the strategic direction, values, and objectives of the new Academy.
• Produced an operational plan including governance structures, budgeting and sustainability planning, job roles, marketing strategy, and KPIs.
• Identified core themes for training programmes aligned with national transformation goals and Essential Public Health Functions.

4. Implementation Planning

• Designed a phased implementation plan, including initial pilot training and a soft launch structure to introduce the Academy’s educational approach and standards.

Impact

This work laid the complete foundation for establishing the first government-backed Public Health Academy in the Arab region, supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build a future‑ready, highly qualified public health workforce. It strengthens national resilience, improves health system performance, and advances the Kingdom’s public health transformation agenda.