[The French National Public Health School 1962-1966]

The creation of the French National School of Public Health in 1960 was a major step forward in the field of Public Health, a concept which emerged at the end of the 19th century. Villermé, Louis and Parisot were its main proponents in France. From 1962 to 1966, the school opened in temporary buildings in Rennes (Brittany), before moving to its permanent premises in 1966. During its first four years the school provided eight basic courses, to which two new ones were subsequently added, one for hospital managers and one for health engineers. A large number offoreign students attended these courses, and two international seminars were organized on behalf of WHO.