WHO Expands Global Network to Strengthen Biomanufacturing Skills

WHO officials said building strong biomanufacturing industries requires more than facilities and technology.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has brought together leading training institutions and global partners to strengthen workforce development for the growing biomanufacturing sector, a key component in improving access to vaccines, biotherapeutics and other essential health products.

Representatives from seven newly designated WHO Regional Training Centres (RTCs), the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing, the WHO Academy and WHO regional offices met in Geneva from 3 to 5 June for the first in-person gathering under the WHO Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Initiative (BWTI).

The conference focused on improving collaboration, sharing expertise and creating a coordinated global approach to workforce training that supports sustainable local manufacturing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO officials said building strong biomanufacturing industries requires more than facilities and technology. Developing skilled workers, strengthening institutions and fostering long-term partnerships are equally important for creating resilient health manufacturing systems.

Seven regional centres form global training network

A major outcome of the meeting was the formal introduction of seven Regional Training Centres located in Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Ireland, Senegal and South Africa. Together, the centres will provide training, workforce development programmes and knowledge-sharing opportunities across all six WHO regions. The institutions will work alongside the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing, which is hosted by the Republic of Korea. Participants discussed how the network can respond to regional workforce needs while maintaining international standards and supporting global cooperation.

Training-of-trainers sessions were also held during the conference to strengthen teaching capacity and help ensure high-quality instruction can be delivered consistently across different regions. The initiative is designed to expand access to competency-based training that reflects both global industry standards and local workforce requirements.

Demand grows for advanced manufacturing expertise

Discussions throughout the conference highlighted the rapidly changing nature of biomanufacturing and the increasing need for specialised skills. Participants identified growing demand for expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies, digital systems, artificial intelligence, regulatory affairs, technology transfer, quality management and supply chain operations. The Republic of Korea presented progress made through the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing, which has trained nearly 4,000 participants from 79 countries since being designated by WHO in 2022.

WHO also reported that more than 14,000 professionals from over 118 member states have taken part in its workforce development programmes since 2020. These programmes have covered manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory systems and technology transfer, helping strengthen expertise throughout the biomanufacturing sector. The WHO Academy highlighted opportunities to improve lifelong learning and competency-based education across the network, while participants stressed the importance of stronger partnerships between universities, industry and governments. WHO says the initiative will play a crucial role in helping countries develop skilled workforces capable of supporting local production, strengthening health systems and improving global health security in the years ahead.