Several countries at the World Health Assembly (WHA) have called for stronger enforcement of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel. Their appeal comes as wealthier nations continue hiring health workers from poorer countries, deepening workforce shortages in those regions.
Delegates agreed on Monday (May 26) that regional discussions will be held to review and strengthen the recruitment code. Suggestions from these talks, based on input from an expert advisory group, will be presented at the next WHA.
In addition, member states passed a resolution to speed up progress on building a stronger global health and care workforce. The resolution asks the WHO Director-General to focus resources on helping countries develop and carry out policies under the Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030. This includes promoting collaboration between countries and supporting national workforce planning and management.
According to WHO, the world will face a shortage of 11.1 million health workers by 2030. Doctors and nurses are especially in high demand.
Struggles in the Global South
Small island developing states (SIDS) and many African countries shared concerns about retaining health workers, despite improving pay and working conditions.
Jamaica, Samoa, and Barbados all said they are losing trained staff due to aggressive recruitment by richer countries. Jamaica noted that “South-South collaboration” has helped address some shortages, especially of specialist nurses. The country thanked partners like Cuba, Nigeria, the Philippines, and India.
Jamaica is also working with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on a national workforce strategy and a health labor market analysis— the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.
“The continued migration of our health care workers is a serious threat to our health system,” said Jamaica. “We call on WHO and international partners to raise awareness and promote fairer recruitment practices.”
Barbados urged the creation of a legally binding framework to protect health workers’ rights and ensure that migration supports national health goals.
African Voices Highlight Urgent Need
Ghana, speaking for the African region, said Africa faces major challenges with workforce shortages, gender gaps, skill mismatches, and uneven distribution of personnel. These problems are worsened by health worker migration, funding shortages, and poor working conditions.
“The demand for African workers in the West means those countries must help train more professionals,” said Ghana.
Sudan described the devastating impact of ongoing conflict. Many health workers have fled or been displaced, while those who remain are overworked and face serious risks.
Eswatini reported it could not hire 10% of its health workforce due to budget constraints. Zimbabwe supported the idea of a global solidarity fund to help low- and middle-income countries manage the effects of health worker migration.
Community Health Workers and Global Action
Thailand, speaking for the South-East Asian Region, said the region has 4.2 million community health workers who play a key role in local care. The region supports creating a global compact and a five-year roadmap to strengthen national workforces and address future shortages.
Poland, representing the European Union and candidate members, stressed the need for safe working conditions and human rights protections to attract and keep health workers. It also highlighted the importance of digital skills as healthcare becomes more tech-driven. Poland praised the new WHO Academy in France as a valuable tool for workforce training.
Poland also called for health policies that promote fairness and support women’s leadership. Women make up 70% of the global health workforce but hold fewer than 25% of leadership positions and earn 24% less than men.
WHO Warns of Worsening Shortages
Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage, warned that the projected gap in the health workforce by 2030 has grown.
“This is especially worrying,” he said, “given recent cuts in development aid, which are already affecting key roles like community health workers.”
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