The first conference of the new Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative of the Philippine Government with Pacific island countries and areas and the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded today with a shared commitment to address health workforce shortages in the region.
In addition to WHO and Philippine experts, the event brought together leaders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu.
The 35 conference participants discussed ways to solve chronic health-care worker shortages and strengthen regional health security. The three-day conference was organized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Health, in collaboration with WHO, to promote partnership in achieving “a sustainable health workforce for health security”.
WHO projects that the global health workforce shortfall could reach 10 million by 2030. Health worker shortages – which disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries – make it more difficult for people to get the health care they need. Shortages also make countries more vulnerable to the effects of pandemics and natural disasters.
Strengthening collaboration for effective workforce strategies
The Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative is designed to be a collaborative platform for identifying effective workforce education, employment and retention strategies. The Initiative will work to address immediate and long-term needs, including sustainable management of health workforce migration in alignment with The WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.
The Philippines has historically been a net contributor of health workers internationally, which gives leaders an insightful perspective on health workforce sustainability. The Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative builds on the country’s advocacy for global health workforce solutions, as seen during the May 2024 World Health Assembly when the Philippines led global discussions on health workforce challenges related to migration.
WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala said: “The world needs robust health systems to face emerging health threats. This Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative represents a vital step in ensuring our health workforces are both sustainable and resilient, providing a foundation for universal health coverage and health security.
WHO will continue to work with partners in the Philippines and the Pacific to ensure a safer and healthier region for all.”
Partnering for a brighter future
The conference featured presentations and field visits to leading health institutions in the country, as well as panel discussions on health workforce sustainability and resilience featuring prominent leaders in health from the Philippines, the Pacific and WHO.
The conference culminated in a road map for sustainable health workforce development tailored to the needs of Pacific island countries and areas and the Philippines. The Initiative aims to explore mutual interests in developing adequate, well-distributed and competent health workforces across Asia and the Pacific.
Supported by the Philippine Government and WHO, the Initiative also supports progress towards the health-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on equitable workforce development, sustainable migration practices and enhanced health system resilience.
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For more information, please contact:
WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific Communications Unit
Email: wprocom@who.int
Ms Cling Malaco, Communications Officer, WHO Philippines
Email: cmalaco@who.int