Having a strong health workforce is key to supporting the world through any health emergency. We urge Member States to heed the Independent Panel’s urgent call to take immediate action to stop the pandemic and to follow recommendations to ensure that any future infectious disease outbreak does not become another catastrophic pandemic. In particular, countries must invest in preparedness now, and support their health professionals accordingly.

We thank WHO for the DG’s report on the action plan for health employment and inclusive economic growth and urge Member States to be bold when discussing a renewed mandate. This should leverage the International Year of Health and Care Workers, focusing on the need to retain, protect and invest in the health workforce for COVID-19 recovery and into the future.