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:
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New global standards
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A set of key indicators
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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:
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Multiple rounds of peer review by WHO, UNESCO, and other UN agencies
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Oversight by an internal advisory committee convened by the Collaborating Centre
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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