May 2016
Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the international organisations representing the world’s physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and physical therapists. Together, we form the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA), representing over 26 million health professionals in more than 130 countries.
We applaud governments and WHO for the progress made in the development of the Global Strategy on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health. We strongly support the alignment of the life-course approach to health and the inclusion of adolescent health, an area in which we encourage WHO and Member States to work together to strengthen the knowledge base. The WHPA supports a vision in which every woman, child and adolescent has access to physical and mental health and well-being; has social and economic opportunities; and is fully able to participate in shaping prosperous and sustainable societies. By systematically intervening early,
and in an integrated manner, we can prevent many health problems such as noncommunicable diseases, malnutrition and birth-related complications.
To support the Global Strategy, there is a clear need for strong and integrated health systems that are well-equipped with necessary materials and trained healthcare professionals to provide quality-ensured health services to all people in need across the lifespan. In this regard, we appreciate that the Strategy identifies the need for “resilient, effective and efficient, health systems” and we emphasize the essential need for effective planning and financing for an adequate and competent health workforce that meets the current and future needs of populations.
Health professionals play a central role in the implementation of this Global Strategy. The WHPA strongly supports the commitments of governments and looks forward to working with them to assist in implementing the Strategy at global and national levels.
Thank you.