The multi-country workshop, “Strengthening National Workforce Capacity to Implement the Essential Public Health Functions,” was held from 16–18 June 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The conference aimed to support Member States in adapting the WHO Roadmap to strengthen public health workforce capacities according to national priorities. It emphasized cross-country learning, development of country-specific implementation plans, and regional collaboration. Key activities included country presentations, group work on EPHFs, competency and outcome mapping, implementation planning, elevator pitches, and a field visit to the National Institute for Health Sciences.

The conference strengthened national and regional commitment to improving public health workforce capacity for implementing Essential Public Health Functions. It supported Member States to adapt the WHO Roadmap according to national priorities and develop country-specific implementation plans. Through country presentations, group work, roadmap adaptation, and shared discussions, participants identified workforce gaps, exchanged regional experiences, and developed practical approaches for strengthening competencies and outcomes. The conference also promoted collaboration, cross-country learning, and a participatory approach focused on translating discussions into country-level action and generating learning for other countries.