Global health workforce responses to address the COVID-19 pandemic

Overview

This policy brief (draft) was prepared by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies for the Fifth Global Forum on Human Resources for Health.

Towards an evidence-informed statement of intent: key messages on workforce development: National responses to COVID-19 showed that the health and care workforce is capable of hugely positive change. The lessons generated offer powerful evidence on how best to develop a sustainable workforce to deliver on the ambitions of universal health coverage (UHC), health security and the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

If governments are to take forward the policies and practices that worked, they should know that:

1. Changing scopes of practice and introducing team-based roles is central to an effective, sustainable workforce and can be achieved.
2. The use of technology and digital tools has taken huge steps forward – and needs to continue and expand to all countries.
3. Flexible regulation is the way forward.
4. Protecting the health and care workforce is essential.
5. Providing political leadership starts from the top and sets the agenda throughout government and society.

The health and care workforce is central to UHC and health security, and repays political commitment through promoting social cohesion, solidarity and security.