Meeting of WHO collaborating centres in the Russian Federation

The Ministry of Health and the WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation organized a meeting of WHO collaborating centres (WHO CCs) on 10 December 2015 at the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.

The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate further progress in the work of WHO CCs in the Russian Federation and to strengthen cooperation between CCs, WHO, the Ministry of Health and other national institutions.

The meeting had several practical goals.

• Present the main trends and operational guidelines concerning the designation and functioning of the WHO CCs globally and in the WHO European Region.
• Present and discuss an overview of WHO CCs in the Russian Federation and areas of work covered.
• Discuss issues of common interest in the work of WHO CCs, such as alignment with WHO strategies and workplans, reflecting the needs of countries, principal mechanisms and forms of work delivery, resource mobilization and reporting.

The meeting also included a roundtable discussion on lessons learned, achievements of and challenges in the work of the WHO CCs, further improvement of their work, overcoming barriers and the support that may be required, as well as strengthening cooperation between CCs, WHO, the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies.