Launched in June 2025, the network brings together academic institutions, national statistical agencies and public health organisations to support countries in identifying populations that are being left behind and designing evidence-based policies to improve access to healthcare.
The expansion broadens both the geographic reach and technical expertise of the network, enhancing its ability to support countries, particularly in low- and middle-income regions where data gaps remain significant.
WHO said health inequality monitoring is critical to understanding differences in health outcomes, access to services and the underlying social, economic and environmental factors driving these disparities.
Without reliable data, inequities remain hidden, making it difficult for governments to allocate resources effectively or develop targeted interventions. “By bringing together institutions with diverse expertise, the Network’s growing membership will accelerate progress in health inequality monitoring,” said Dr Ahmad Reza Hosseinpoor, WHO’s Team Lead for Health Inequality Monitoring.
The network aims to strengthen national and regional capacity, generate and share evidence, and develop practical tools and best practices to help countries turn data into action. Its work focuses on supporting sustainable systems that can inform policy decisions and contribute to improved health outcomes.
Through collaboration, the HIM Network promotes technical cooperation, training and capacity-building, while encouraging the use of innovative approaches to analysing and addressing inequality.
WHO said the initiative supports broader global priorities, including efforts to advance universal health coverage and meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals. It also aligns with commitments made by countries to strengthen monitoring and tackle the root causes of inequality.
The expanded network now includes 24 institutions from across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australia, representing a wide range of disciplines including epidemiology, data science and public health policy.
Members were selected through a global call based on their technical expertise, research capacity and experience in supporting national and international health initiatives. The network is coordinated by a secretariat at WHO headquarters, with strategic guidance provided by a steering committee drawn from participating institutions.
WHO said strengthening health inequality monitoring will be central to ensuring that progress in global health is inclusive, enabling countries to better identify gaps and ensure that no population group is left behind.
–WHO/ChannelAfrica–
