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  1. WHO Engagements

PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center

CBER has been a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Biological Standardization since 1998, formalizing its commitment to support the work of WHO after decades of scientific contributions. CBER is currently in its seventh four-year term which will run until February 2028.

A WHO Collaborating Center is an institution, designated by the Director-General of WHO, to form part of a network that carries out activities in support of WHO’s mandated international health work.  WHO Collaborating Centers contribute to concrete activities at the national, regional, and global levels, to advance public health priorities.

WHO is mandated by its Member States to develop, establish, and promote International standards for biological products.  WHO International Standards are developed through collaboration which is based on achieving scientific consensus through international consultations, engagement with regional and national regulatory authorities, manufacturers, and expert laboratories and the work of the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS).

WHO relies on the scientific and technical expertise and resources of WHO Collaborating Centers to carry out its mandated work.  Collaboration with subject matter experts from around the world enhances the scientific validity of WHO’s work, and helps to gain international acceptance of the work product.

Designation as a WHO Collaborating Center is accompanied by a set of terms of reference that are mutually agreed upon by CBER and WHO.  The purpose, scope and areas of activity for each term are captured within the “Terms of Reference”.

The Terms of Reference for the current term (2024-2028) are:

  • To provide technical expertise to support WHO in establishing physical (reference) standards for biologicals (vaccines, blood, blood components and derivatives, relevant in vitro diagnostic tests, cellular and gene therapy products).
  • To support WHO in establishing written standards for biologicals by providing technical expertise and advice.
  • To support WHO in strengthening regulatory systems, promoting standardization, and enhancing oversight of biologicals.

CBER will apply to renew its designation as a WHO Collaborating Center when the current new term ends.

Related External Links

WHO Collaborating Center  http://www.who.int/collaboratingcentres/en/

WHO Health Organization (WHO)  http://www.who.int/en/

Pan American Health Organization  http://www.paho.org/hq/

 

Return to CBER’s International Program Home Page 
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/InternationalActivities/default.htm

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