From left to right: Enzo Bondioni (FDI Executive Director); Greg Chadwick (FDI President); Catherine Duggan (FIP CEO); Paul Sinclair (FIP President); Michel Landry (World Physiotherapy President); Ashok Philip (WMA President); Otmar Kloiber (WMA Secretary General and Chair of WHPA); Howard Catton (ICN CEO)
As global health systems reel from the shock of abrupt national policy shifts and tightened budgets, health professionals are bearing the brunt. Mounting financial pressures, slower-than-expected progress on reducing health workforce shortages, and increased threats to health professionals’ safety and mental well-being have created a perfect storm for those on the front lines of care.
WHPA leaders came together at a well-attended side event during the 78th World Health Assembly to reaffirm a critical message: investing in health professionals is not a cost, but a cornerstone of resilient, high-quality healthcare systems and the path to universal health coverage.
High-level speakers
Distinguished speakers at the event were leaders from the five WHPA member organizations, each representing a different profession and each highlighting the shared concerns of the health professions in the current global climate. The panel was followed by a lively Q&A, where participants shared their views and observations, and a networking reception.
- Moderator: Otmar Kloiber—Chair of WHPA and Secretary General, WMA: Watch the video
- Enzo Bondioni—Executive Director, FDI World Dental Federation
Amid workforce shortages, rising demand, and shrinking budgets, building a resilient health workforce means urgent investment in health professionals and in safe, supportive environments where they can thrive. Watch the video
- Paul Sinclair—President, FIP International Pharmaceutical Federation
In the face of budget cuts, sustainable health workforce financing lies not in shortcuts to less qualified staff, but in highly-educated health professionals and interprofessional teams that deliver safer, more effective care while reducing long-term costs. Watch the video
- Michel Landry— President, World Physiotherapy
Strong health systems are the smartest response to funding cuts—by investing in health professionals and developing resilience in health systems which are responsive to crises, we can drive cost-efficient progress toward universal health coverage. Watch the video
- Pamela Cipriano— President, ICN International Council of Nurses
To tackle global health workforce inequality, we call on high-income countries to stop draining talent from low-income nations and commit to fair, accountable recruitment—including more mutuality of benefit for sending and receiving countries. Watch the video
- Ashok Philip— President, WMA World Medical Association
In addition to workforce issues like shortages and inequitable migration, we face the global health emergency of climate change. By empowering health professionals to lead in climate action, we can drive solutions that protect communities and deliver lasting health benefits. Watch the video
Stand with the professions in the face of radical budget cuts. It’s time to amplify the voice of health professionals and protect the future of global health.
Photo: Alain Riad