The WHO Centre for Health Development (WKC) is a global research centre contributing to strengthening health systems globally and locally in Kobe and Hyogo Prefecture and engages with local communities to share experiences to the world. The Centre has a purposeful programme on youth development to introduce students in the Kansai region to global public health issues.
On 12 December 2024, WKC technical officer, Dr Ryoma Kayano, hosted eight Grade 9 and 10 students from the Marist Brothers International School in Kobe. He presented the Centre’s work and responded to insightful questions from the students around resolving medical crises, cancer, epidemiology in Japan, and careers in medicine and research.
The students were keen to participate in World Health Day activities which will be celebrated on 7 April 2025. The theme this year is on maternal and newborn health.