WKC’s legacy: 25 years of contributions to local and international health work
Twenty-five years ago, the WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre) was established in Kobe, Japan. The official inauguration on 17 March 1996 realized the vision of the Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, the Mayor of Kobe City and the Director-General of WHO to set up a research centre in Japan focusing on health development.
Today, WKC’s work is even more relevant as we conduct research on promoting health systems for universal health coverage in the context of population ageing, and advancing knowledge on health emergencies and disaster risk preparedness. Local engagement with communities in Hyogo, Kobe and the Kansai region more broadly is a cornerstone of our work.
Please see the grateful acknowledgement of WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, to the four representatives of the Kobe Group for 25 years of sustained and generous support to WKC.