A Universal Truth: No Health Without A Workforce

Overview

Purpose

This report is intended to inform proceedings at the Third Global Forum on Human Resources for Health and to inform a global audience and trigger momentum for action. It aims to consolidate what is known on human resources for health and how to attain, sustain and accelerate progress on universal health coverage.

Methods

The report uses mixed methods in selecting, collating and analysing country data. This includes analysing the workforce data in the WHO Global Health Observatory, searches of human resources for health progress in 36 countries and horizon-scanning of “big picture” challenges in the immediate future. Limitations include a reliance on published data and secondary sources. The available data also limit comparison between countries. Nevertheless, we can draw from the synthesis of information with reasonable confidence.

What are the human resources for health dimensions of universal health coverage?

The report presents a case that the health workforce is central to attaining, sustaining and accelerating progress on universal health coverage and suggests three guiding questions for decision-makers. What health workforce is required to ensure effective coverage of an agreed package of health care benefits? What health workforce is required to progressively expand coverage over time? How does a country produce, deploy and sustain a health workforce that is both fit for purpose and fit to practice in support of universal health coverage?