9 February 2026—As cuts to global health funding start to bite, WHPA is supporting WHO work reframing the narrative so that health is an investment, not a cost.
In its key constituency statement to WHO member states at the 158th Executive Board (EB), held on 2-7 February 2026, WHPA underlined the economic and social benefits of investing in health professionals and increasing the density of the health workforce, such as longer life expectancy, improved productivity, and sustained economic growth.
The statement was drafted by the five members of WHPA and garnered the support of six further health NGOs in official relations with the WHO.
The debate on WHO’s draft Strategy on the Economics of Health for All, which WHPA’s statement supported, was very engaged and WHO Assistant Director-General Jeremy Farrar promised additional member state consultations on the topic. At the conclusion of the debate, the EB recommended that the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopt the draft Strategy, meaning it will be up for a decision by member states at WHA79 in May.
Statements on migration, and digital health
WHPA also took the floor to address two further issues central to health workforce interests. WHPA continued its engagement with ethical international recruitment of health professionals, following on from its participation in the Expert Advisory Group reviewing the WHO’s Code of Practice. It urged member states to be bold in requiring high-income countries to co-invest in the health systems of countries whose health services are suffering because of high out-migration of health professionals.
On data, digital health and artificial intelligence in the health sector, the health professions were united in calling for these technologies to support—not replace—the patient–health professional relationship, a call echoed by many speakers.
The EB is the body which implements the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly, and is composed of representatives of 34 WHO Member States. The 158th session of the EB took place on 2-7 February 2026.
Read WHPA’s constituency statement on economics of health for all
Read WHPA’s statement on international ethical recruitment of health personnel
Read WHPA’s statement on data, digital health and artificial intelligence in the health sector
Image credit: WHO; Thumbnail credit: Collage by WHPA Secretariat