Creating a climate of opinion: ‘Community of Practice’ on migration of health workers
The critical issue of health workforce migration is the subject of an interactive 'Community of
Practice'— an online global dialogue forum—launched by WHO on Monday 31 March.
The discussion forum, jointly organized by WHO, the Global Health Workforce Alliance and
Realizing Rights, will run for three weeks and will provide an opportunity for interested parties to
exchange and discuss experiences, success stories, best practices and challenges at global,
regional and country level. The Community of Practice comes in response to the World Health
Assembly Resolutions (WHA57.19, WHA58.17) regarding international recruitment of health
personnel.
"This global dialogue allows the participation of many stakeholders from various perspectives on
how to best address the challenges of health worker migration, and to explore the feasibility and
usability of a global code of practice," said Director of WHO's Human Resources for Health
Department, Dr Manuel Dayrit, noting multi-sectoral participation from across governments, civil
society, international organizations, professional associations and academia.
The issue of health worker migration is one of the key considerations in the response to the
global shortage of health workers—which WHO estimates to be around 4.2 million worldwide.
The Community of Practice dialogue on the issue follows the recent adoption of the Kampala
Declaration on Human Resources for Health, which called for acceleration of negotiations for a
global code of practice for international recruitment of health personnel. This global dialogue will
inform debates at the World Health Assembly and contribute to the development of a global code
of practice on the international recruitment of health personnel.
"There is a saying that “nothing really important ever happens until the climate of opinion is right”.
Our Community of Practice is about creating this climate of opinion," said Executive Director of
the Global Health Workforce Alliance, Dr Francis Omaswa at the launch of the dialogue.
Delivering the keynote speech at the video conference, Former President of Ireland and co-Chair
of the Health Worker Migration Initiative, Honorable Mary Robinson, welcomed this 'vital
conversation' provided through the Community of Practice.
"There can be few more important issues affecting the life and health chances of millions in our
world today than the brain drain of health workers from countries who need them most. Health
workers are essential for a functioning health system, and therefore for the human right to health
itself," she said.
Over the next three weeks, the online discussion will ask a number of specific questions:
• Week one (31 March-7 April): What are the current realities and dynamics contributing to
health worker migration globally?
• Week 2 (8 April-14 April): What innovative strategies are being tested to address issues
related to health worker migration?
• Week 3 (15 April-21 April): What should be the key principles and elements needed for a
global code of practice for health worker migration?
To join the Community of Practice and participate in the 3-week virtual dialogue, register through this link. Participants will receive one email per-day summarizing the comments and discussion points.