After focusing the importance of human resources for carrying out health programs which have deserved the attention of WHO, the Author emphasizes that special consideration has also been given lately to the preparation of the planning staff. An evaluation of the objectives and contents of courses on health planning is presented, followed by a comparison of courses which tock place in the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Chile and Brazil. The Author concludes emphasizes the role of WHO - through its Regional Office - in the implementation and consolidation of such courses in the Americas.