The first Work Plan of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centers (CCs) in Occupational Health was initiated in November 2001, following input of the CCs to choose the 15 priority areas of work for the period 2001-2005. This article reflects upon the successes and limitations of the Work Plan, describes some of the products, and points out some ‘lessons learned’ that were incorporated into the 2006 – 2010 Work Plan that was adopted by the CCs at the Seventh Network Meeting in Stresa, Italy, in June 2006.

All 64 Collaborating Centers, three non-governmental organizations (International Commission on Occupational Health, International Occupational Hygiene Association and the International Ergonomics Association) and the International Labor Organization contributed 350 projects in the priority areas of the 2001-2006 Work Plan. An evaluation of the success of the Work Plan concluded that the working together of the CCs in a common Work Plan was successful and beneficial to nations and regions, and globally.

Co-Coordinator, WHO Global Network of Collaborating Centers in Occupational Health ( mfingerhut@cdc.gov )

WHO Occupational Health Programme, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland ( kortume@who.int )