KEY 02 - Transforming Human Capital

The UN high-level political declaration on UHC, adopted in September 2019, sets out a clear agenda on the attainment of SDG3. One of the major challenges identified in the declaration is how to accelerate investments in the health workforce to overcome the global shortages predicted by 2030, especially in countries with the weakest PHC systems and the furthest from UHC. This requires building the necessary foundations for PHC: investments in core infrastructure, both health facilities and preservice education institutions, and in health worker employment, retention and productivity.

There is an emerging opportunity to link investments in education, skills and jobs in the health sector with the broader work of Human Capital and Social Spending, engaging the International Financing Institutions and all relevant partners as necessary. Investing in jobs in the health sector will positively impact generations to come: contributing to improved population health and creating opportunities for millions of women and youth to be active participants in the labor market.

By linking health employment, Human Capital and Social Spending the world can accelerate more and better investments in people for greater health equity and economic growth.