Human Resources for Health (HRH) are fundamental to the efficient functioning of health systems and services, as well as to achieving the goals toward universal access and health coverage, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Even while recognizing the role they play, countries face several challenges in achieving a resilient health workforce, such as a shortage of qualified personnel, difficulty in retaining professionals, and an unequal geographic distribution. These challenges limit the capacity of health systems to respond effectively to the needs of the population and achieve health objectives.
The human resources for health information systems (HRHIS) have become a priority for countries in the Americas, which aspire to have accurate and up-to-date data on health personnel. Well-established systems allow for more informed decision-making, effective strategic planning, and facilitate the proper management of the healthcare workforce.
The Pan American Health Organization has been ing countries in strengthening and building their HRHIS, based on the vision of the National Health Workforce s (NHWA). The NHWA provide a comprehensive framework for countries to guide the development of their HRHIS around the labor market components, thus generate evidence to align the availability and competences of their workforce with the health needs of their populations.
Given the need to obtain a clear picture of the state of the health workforce in the region, PAHO has prepared a regional report entitled "The Health Workforce in the Americas: Regional Data and Indicators." This is the first in the Region of the Americas that consolidates and publishes data, using priority indicators defined and validated with the countries of the region. This report constitutes an essential baseline for the region, providing critical data that will guide future strategies and policies aimed at strengthening human resources for health in the Americas by improving the availability, quality, and use of information.
- Presenting the publication “The Health Workforce in the Americas: Regional Data and Indicators.”
- Discussing the importance of Health Workforce information on decision-making and the development of public policy on Human Resources for Health in the countries of the Region.
Importance of Health Workforce information on decision-making and the development of public policy on Human Resources for Health
Updated and reliable data enables decision-makers to identify gaps in the distribution, training, and education of health personnel, facilitating timely responses to population needs. This topic was discussed during the dialogue table, which included the participation of representatives from the governments of Chile and Costa Rica, as well as representatives from the International Labour Organization and the World Bank.
“The Health Workforce in the Americas: Data and Regional Indicators”
Presentation of the first report from the Region of the Americas that consolidates and publishes health workforce data from the National Health Workforce s (NHWA) using priority HRH indicators that have been defined and validated with the countries of the Region. The report includes detailed country profiles. This publication establishes a foundation for informed decision-making and may contribute to the development of public policies aimed at ensuring an adequate health workforce to meet the population’s needs.
The Future of Cooperation and New Technologies in Health Workforce Development
Digital transformation is redefining the landscape of HRH in health systems. The impact of using artificial intelligence tools in the planning and distribution of health personnel was highlighted. Furthermore, there are challenges associated with these technologies, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balance between technological innovation and the essential human component in health care.
: Isabel Duré, International Consultant, Human Resources for Health, PAHO/WHO
Welcome: Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr., Director, Pan American Health Organization
Roundtable Discussion on the Importance of Health Workforce information on decision-making and the development of public policy on Human Resources for Health
- : Dr. Benjamín Puertas, Unit Chief, Human Resources for Health, PAHO/WHO
- Dr. Bernardo Martorell, Subsecretary of Healthcare Networks, Ministry of Health, Chile
- Dr. Mariela Marín, Vice Minister of Health, Costa Rica
- Dr. Ana Virgínia Moreira Gomes, Assistant Director-General & Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Dr. Gianluca Cafagna, Senior Health Specialist, World Bank
Regional Report: "The Health Workforce in the Americas: Data and Regional Indicators."
- Dr. Ana Paula Cavalcante de Oliveira, Specialist in Human Resources for Health Development, PAHO/WHO
The future of cooperation and new technologies in health workforce development
- Dr. Benjamín Puertas, Unit Chief, Human Resources for Health, PAHO/WHO
Closing: Dr. James Fitzgerald, Director, Department of Health Systems and Services, PAHO/WHO