The World Health Organization has released an online course to help parliamentarians strengthen global health security and legislative preparedness.

The World Health Organization has launched an online training course to help parliamentarians strengthen health security.

The program, titled “The Role of Parliaments and Parliamentarians in Strengthening Health Security Preparedness,” is hosted on the WHO learning platform and is free to access.

Course material focuses on three core tasks for elected officials. First, it guides lawmakers through the process of drafting health‑related legislation that aligns with international standards and national priorities. Second, it explains how parliamentarians can approve and monitor emergency funding streams during outbreaks. Third, it outlines oversight mechanisms for public health responses, including coordination with ministries and agencies.

Modules combine video briefings, interactive case studies and downloadable toolkits. Participants can complete the curriculum at their own pace, with each section concluding in a short knowledge check. Successful completion awards a digital certificate that officials may reference when reporting to constituents or senior government bodies.

WHO officials say the course aims to close knowledge gaps that can delay policy action during health crises. By providing clear, evidence‑based guidance, the organization hopes legislators will be better prepared to enact timely measures, allocate resources efficiently and hold health authorities accountable.

Registrations opened on the WHO website on the day of the launch, and the agency expects a global audience of parliamentarians, staff members and policy advisers to enroll over the coming months.