The document discusses the importance of health workers and strengthening health systems. It notes that there is currently a shortage of over 7 million health workers globally, projected to rise to nearly 13 million. African countries will be hardest hit, with a shortage of 2 million doctors, nurses and midwives needed. The document reviews different components of health systems and provides examples of projects in the Philippines, Ghana and other countries that have empowered and supported health workers, helping address shortages. It argues for continued efforts to strengthen health systems, optimize resources, and foster an environment where health workers are motivated to help reach more people.

1. The VITAL Health Workforce:
The Best Investment Yet
Session: Strengthening the Building Blocks of Health
Systems: Doing Better, Reaching More
CRISTINA BISSON, RN, MPH
SENIOR HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING SPECIALIST
RTI INTERNATIONAL, APRIL 20, 2017

2. Outline
Review of the Building blocks
Current situation
Why are health workers important?
What works, what doesn't?
What can we do?

3. The HSS Building Blocks Review
• Human Resources of Health
• Health Finance
• Health Governance
• Health Information
• Medical Products, Vaccines, and Technologies
• Service Delivery
• Financial Protection
• Essential Services
• Population Coverage
• Responsiveness

4. Current situation
Global Health Workforce Alliance and WHO estimated a gap of 7.2 million
professional health workers in 2012,set to rise to 12.9 million over the
next decades. (1)
Projected shortage of 18 million health workers to achieve and sustain the
Sustainable Development Goals primarily in low and lower-middle income
countries.
Shortage of health workers will hit African countries the hardest – a region
that makes up 75% of the global burden of HIV/AIDS.
2 million more doctors, nurses and midwives are required.

5. What is missing here?
Health systems
A well-functioning health system
working in harmony is built on having
trained and motivated health workers,
a well-maintained infrastructure, and a
reliable supply of medicines and
technologies, backed by adequate
funding, strong health plans and
evidence-based policies.

6. What works, what doesn't?
Three stories
Empower - Philippines
Link - Envision Project,
Coconut
Support – Guinea,
Ghana, Kenya

7. What can we do ? advoca
te
strengthen
Let them
lead
encourageattract Be clear
optimiz
e
fosterfinance
link equip
security