Enhancing Collaboration and Solutions for Health Workforce Migration: Strengthening Global Health Systems for UHC

The movement of health professionals is driven by a range of factors: such as the expectation of higher income, better working and living conditions, professional development or economic and political instability in their home countries. However, this migration raises critical concerns, particularly for low- and middle-income countries facing healthcare workforce shortages.

The persistent “brain drain” issue has fueled global discussions, leading to the adoption of WHA57.19 and the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

Despite their valuable contributions to the receiving countries, migrating health professionals often encounter systemic barriers, including complicated credential recognition processes, integration difficulties, and discrimination. As global health systems become increasingly interconnected, it is imperative to examine the ethical, social, and policy implications of physician migration.

Speakers

• WMA Jack Resneck Jr., MD, Chair of Council

• Philippines Ministry of Health Kenneth G. Ronquillo, Philippines Undersecretary of Health
• Canadian delegation (TBC)
• World Health Organization Jim Campbell, Director, Health Workforce WHO
• International Labor Organization Maren Hopfe, Technical Specialist
• International Council of Nurses (ICN),  Pamela Cipriano, President