Mission & vision
Our mission
The World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) is the world's largest global health innovation platform. We convene policymakers, clinicians, investors, innovators, and communities to co-create scalable solutions for healthier, more equitable societies.
Active in over 30 countries, WHIS drives the shift from reactive sick-care to proactive, preventive health systems — through global summits, strategic advisory, community programmes, and the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA).
Our vision
A world where prevention is the default — where every community can access the tools, partnerships, and knowledge to improve wellbeing and reduce health inequalities for generations to come.
Our leadership has advised at the highest levels, contributed to Pope Francis's Vatican COVID-19 Commission, and co-founded the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) and the World Health Service (WHS).
Organisation
Three brands, one mission
WHIS, the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA), and WHS work together — convening, advancing social prescribing, and channelling charitable impact.
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Convening platform
WHIS
Summits, programmes, and chapters that move prevention from idea to practice.
Explore programmes → -
Global alliance
Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA)
Co-founded with NASP and WHO — standards, playbooks, and a 30+ country network.
Visit Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) → -
Not-for-profit arm
WHS
World Health Service — donate or partner through a 501(c)(3) component fund.
Visit WHS →
Network
A federation of local chapters
The WHIS Federation connects satellite members who co-design health and wellbeing initiatives in their own communities — sharing lived experience, programmes, and best practice across borders.
Local ecosystems get WHIS expertise, knowledge, and contacts so ideas can grow where people live, then scale globally.
Explore global chapters →Culture
What we stand for
Six principles that guide how we work with partners, communities, and each other.
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People first
We value every person we meet — their dignity, beliefs, and decisions — and work with compassion, empathy, and kindness.
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Safety & quality
Patient safety and high-quality care guide our programmes, partnerships, and the solutions we help communities scale.
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Society at the centre
Before we commit to a project or model, we ask: is it in the best interest of society as a whole?
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Integrity & accountability
We practice honesty, open disclosure, and ownership when we get things wrong — including how we protect people’s data.
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Learning together
We collaborate, share knowledge, stay open-minded, and keep learning so communities can deliver more effectively.
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Community & balance
We are committed to our communities, steward resources carefully, and work at a pace that is realistic, practical, and human.
And in everything we do, we have fun doing it — because that is good for the heart, the soul, and our health.
Leadership
Founder & CEO
Gareth Presch founded WHIS to shift health systems toward prevention — advising global institutions and co-founding the Global Social Prescribing Alliance.
- · CEO, Global Social Prescribing Alliance
- · Member, Pope Francis's Vatican COVID-19 Commission
- · Former Chief Officer, National Haemophilia Council (Ireland)
Independence
Funding principles
WHIS accepts support that advances our mission without compromising independence. We do not endorse products or services.
- Full independence of WHIS
- Free of corporate bias
- Mutual respect and benefit
- Accountability and transparency