The Health Academy was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with Cisco in FY2004.

The Health Academy aims to help people understand how medical and public heath practices work, and to use the Internet to spread understanding on how to lead a healthy life. It intends to reach people everywhere, especially those living in remote areas.

Two pilot programs were launched in FY2004 in 24 schools in Egypt and at 21 schools in Jordan. Pupils are testing an e-learning curriculum that includes courses on blood disease, smoking, substance abuse, and road safety.

Cisco is using its experience operating the Networking Academy program to provide the necessary equipment, technical expertise, and staff training. The first four modules were developed by Cisco Learning Institute in conjunction with experts from the WHO. View Demo.

By the end of FY2004, 6,700 students had completed Health Academy classes. If the pilots are successful, the program will be adapted to the needs of many regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin and Central America, Central and Eastern Europe, Arab World and Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, South East Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America, and Japan.