Addressing the international migration of health workers
The international migration and mobility of health workers is increasing in volume and growing in its complexity. Across countries, health systems are today challenged with managing both in- and out-flow of health workers. Migrant health workers – moving permanently or temporarily – underpin effective response to health emergencies and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage. At the same time, escalating international health worker migration threatens health emergency response and the achievement of UHC in several countries.
WHO is helping WHO Member States and relevant stakeholders to better and more ethically manage international health worker migration and mobility.
The WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel is a key global governance instrument in this area. Adopted in 2010, the WHO Global Code elaborates ethical norms and seeks to contribute to strengthened management of the phenomenon through improved data, information, and international cooperation. To date, 64 countries have incorporated Code provisions into national law, policy, or international bilateral agreements.
A Member State-led review of the WHO Global Code’s Relevance and Effectiveness was discussed at the 73rd World Health Assembly in 2020.
The Review highlights that Code implementation, through targeted support and safeguards, is necessary to ensure that Health Emergency and Universal Health Coverage-related progress in Member States serves to reinforce rather than compromise similar achievement in others.
In light of the considerations in the Report and decision WHA 73(30), the WHO Secretariat has prepared the Health Workforce Support and Safeguards, List 2020.
Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List, 2020
WHO, ILO and OECD have also established the International Platform on Health Worker Mobility to advance dialogue, knowledge and cooperation in the area through engagement with multi-sectoral stakeholders from both WHO Member States and relevant non-State Actors.