WHO Supports Stronger Health Workforce In Pacific

WHO Supports Pacific Island Countries In Building A Stronger Health Workforce

Press release – 9 July 2010

The World Health Organization (WHO) is convening the Pacific Human Resources for Health meeting this week from 14 - 16 July 2010 in Nadi, aimed at strengthening the health workforces in Pacific island countries.

The meeting will focus on the implementation of the PHRHA work plan, review progress to date, and identify issues and challenges. It will also set targets and identify key activities to be achieved within specified timeframes in the areas recommended by the 8th meeting of Ministers of Health.
Dr Chen Ken, the WHO Representative in the South Pacific, said: “This meeting will further the workplan of the Pacific Human Resources for Health Alliance which will ensure a strong, supportive public health system throughout the Pacific. Primary Health Care and a strong health workforce are central to creating healthy islands and healthy communities. The quality of health services depends primarily on the performance of those who deliver them.”

The meeting will support the Global Code of Practice on International Recruitment of Health Personnel which was adopted at the 63rd World Health Assembly in May 2010. The Global Code, like the Pacific Code of Practice which preceded it, aims to establish and promote principles and practices for ethical recruitment of health personnel, taking into account strengthening of health systems. Both codes also call for strengthening health personnel information systems in countries, including improved data gathering and research on both migrant and non-migrant health workers.

The Alliance is embarking on a number of interrelated actions in human resources planning, production and management, and during the meeting will discuss the appropriate mechanism to fine tune these actions and prepare appropriate implementation plans.

ENDS

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