Health-Promoting Schools (HPS)

WHO-UNESCO Health-Promoting Schools (HPS)

No education system is truly effective unless it promotes the health and well-being of its students, staff, and surrounding community. 

​Over 25 years ago, the Health-Promoting Schools (HPS) approach was introduced and has since been promoted globally. However, despite longstanding efforts, few countries have successfully embedded and sustained this approach at the recommended scale. 

​The WHO Collaborating Centre for Adolescent Health has been engaged by WHO and UNESCO to lead a series of projects aimed at revitalising the HPS initiative. This includes reviewing current global policies and evidence, and developing: 

  • ​New global standards 

  • ​A set of key indicators 

  • ​A comprehensive implementation guidance 

​This work is part of the joint WHO/UNESCO initiative: "Making Every School a Health-Promoting School." 

​Project Development and Consultation 

​This initiative involved a series of interrelated projects, informed by: 

  • ​Multiple rounds of peer review by WHO, UNESCO, and other UN agencies 

  • ​Oversight by an internal advisory committee convened by the Collaborating Centre 

  • ​A broad international consultation process 

​The outcomes have shaped a growing body of work focused on whole-school approaches to health, well-being, and the education–health interface. 

​Key Resources and Publications 

​📘 WHO/UNESCO Global Standards and Implementation Guidance for Health-Promoting Schools 
 A foundational guide for education and health stakeholders globally. 

Resources for Health Promoting Schools:

Make Every School a Health-Promoting School: a call by WHO's Director-General, Dr Tedros