Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41552358›Full record

ArticleHealth policy OPEN2026

Strengthening global health cooperation-insights from worldwide WHO collaborating centres.

Sophia Achab, Benedetto Saraceno

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Health policy OPEN, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. New Strategies to Promote Iran's Role in EMRO by Supporting WHOCCs.Medical journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran · 2026
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Sophia AchabReconnecte Specialized Treatment Program Head, Addiction Division, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland.
Benedetto SaracenoLisbon Institute of Global Mental Health, Lisbon, Portugal.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: WHO Collaborating Centres (WHO CCs) are entities designated to provide scientific or technical support to the World Health Organization (WHO) in specific areas. They play a crucial role in global public health efforts; however, their leadership and sustainability present multiple complex challenges. Objectives: The aim of this analysis is to identify the strategic and management challenges faced by WHO CCs and to provide expert recommendations to enhance their sustainability. This study focuses on leadership capabilities as a key driver of successful global health cooperation. Methods: The study employed a three-phase approach: (1) a conceptual framework for strategic management of WHO CCs, (2) empirical testing through qualitative interviews with WHO CCs directors worldwide, and (3) development of actionable recommendations. A flexible sampling strategy was used, including convenience, purposeful, and database-based sampling to ensure diversity across regions, institution types, and health topics. Results: WHO CCs are manageable organizations but face unique strategic (mission alignment, core values, vision), and management challenges (project management, financial constraints, communication barriers).Long-lasting WHO CCs were led by directors whose leadership practices aligned with established models of effective leadership (e.g., self-awareness, strategic positioning, clear, and engaging vision). Key threats included a lack of resources, recognition, or project management skills, misaligned strategic vision, and communication gaps with WHO or the host institution. Conclusion: WHO CCs are vital to global health but require structured strategic management and leadership development. Their strategic management must take into account both the similarities and differences with other organizations. Expert recommendations include securing financial resources, improving WHO- WHO CCs communication, and fostering leadership skills to ensure sustainability and impact.

Indexed as

Collaborating centersLeadershipManagementQualitative researchStrategyWHO

Identifiers

PMID41552358
PMCPMC12811637

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.