Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN)

Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN)

The Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN) is a key programme of WHO in partnership with Pacific Ministries of Health. It aims to improve the quality and standards of practice of health professionals by offering free online and blended courses at https://polhn.org

With around 54 learning centres across the Pacific and a team of Country Coordinators and focal points, POLHN supports health professionals to access and succeed in courses. In partnership with academic institutions and course providers, POLHN offers health professionals a range of opportunities to build their skills without leaving their community. By providing infrastructure, access and training, POLHN aims to bridge the digital divide and enable health professionals to improve the quality of care across the Pacific. Over 30,000 people have already taken advantage of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities offered by POLHN.

50,000+ registered users from across the globe

54+ learning centres in 15 Pacific countries, supported by 52 country focal points

87% of students ranked POLHN courses very useful in enhancing their health role & position

Learning centres

POLHN’s 54 learning centres are located in 15 countries and areas: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Each centre consists of networked computers with internet access, printers, scanners, data projectors and educational materials in digital and print form.

National Ministries of Health provide the facilities, infrastructure and internet access for local centres, and POLHN’s Country Coordinators and focal points work closely with Ministry of Health training committees to ensure courses are relevant and useful to Pacific health professionals

Courses

POLHN offers sponsorship to postgraduate, diploma and certificate courses tailored to the Pacific in partnership with Fiji National University and the Pacific Paramedical Training Centre. POLHN also offers a suite of free online and self-paced courses developed in-house and through partnerships with course providers. While course materials are available online, POLHN offers resources on CD and other formats as required to accommodate the limited bandwidth in many Pacific Island Countries.

Application details for these courses are announced on https://polhn.org, www.facebook.com/polhn, and by email. For more information or to receive updates from POLHN, please email info@polhn.org