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Start Date: May 18, 2026

End Date: May 18, 2026

Location: Warwick Hotel, Geneva

WMA Side Event during the World Health Assembly

Financing the Future: Investing in Health Workforces for Economic Resilience and Universal Health Coverage

Date & Time: Monday, 18 May 2026, 18:00–20:30
Venue: Warwick Hotel, Geneva
Organizer: ¹ú²úÒ»Çø¶þÇøÈýÇø¾«Æ·¸£Àû
Format: Panel discussion followed by a networking reception

👉ÌýRegistration is mandatory. Seating will beÌýallocatedÌýon a first-come, first-served basis.Ìý
We kindlyÌýinvite you to confirm your participation by

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Overview

Sustainable health financing is a cornerstone of resilient and prosperous societies. Global evidence consistently shows that investment in health systems—particularly in the health workforce—not only improves health outcomes but also generates substantial economic and social returns, including increased productivity, higher labour force participation, and long-term fiscal sustainability. Returns on investment in health can reach up to nine-to-one, with improved population health contributing significantly to economic growth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Conversely, austerity and chronic underinvestment in health systems undermine efficiency, access, and quality of care. These conditions lead to workforce shortages, unmet health needs, rising out-of-pocket expenditures, and discontinuity of care. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, exacerbating inequalities and eroding trust in health systems.

Fiscal sustainability cannot be achieved through underinvestment in health. Strategic public financing—especially for human resources for health—is one of the most effective pathways to building resilient health systems. It enables fair compensation, supports continuous professional development, and strengthens retention of skilled health personnel, ensuring that systems can adapt to evolving global health challenges.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is both a social commitment and a macroeconomic stabiliser. Strong, publicly ensured financing protects individuals and households from financial hardship, sustains workforce participation by preventing avoidable illness, and reduces long-term fiscal pressures associated with preventable diseases. Achieving UHC requires sustained investment in a skilled, supported, and protected health workforce, alongside effective collaboration between governments, international organisations, and professional bodies.

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Objectives

• Highlight the economic and societal returns of investing in health systems and the health workforce
• Explore policy pathways to align health financing with UHC and sustainable development
• Foster dialogue between health, finance, and policy stakeholders ahead of World Health Assembly deliberations
• Identify concrete actions to integrate workforce investment into global and national financing strategies

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Expected Outcome

This event aims to strengthen recognition among global health stakeholders that sustained investment in the health workforce is essential for resilient health systems, fiscally sustainable Universal Health Coverage, and equitable access to care. It will also promote collaboration among governments, international organisations, and health professional bodies.

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Speakers

• Jacqueline Kitulu
  President, ¹ú²úÒ»Çø¶þÇøÈýÇø¾«Æ·¸£Àû
• Valentina Prevolnik Rupel
  Minister of Health, Republic of Slovenia
• Jim Campbell
  Professor of Practice in Health Workforce, King’s College London