Investing in Health Professionals Strengthens Economies and Patient Care, Says WHPA

Investing in health professionals is fundamental to economic stability and sustainable development, and stronger health systems, according to leaders of the global health professions gathered at a side event hosted by the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) on Tuesday 19 May, during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The event, titled “Health Is Wealth: Why Investing in Health Professionals Pays Off,” brought together global health leaders to reframe the narrative: health expenditure should not be viewed as a burden, but as a strategic investment that delivers measurable economic and social returns.

Global health stakeholders at the event also heard early career perspectives underscoring how the future of healthcare will be shaped by the quality of the work environments and the support provided to the next generation entering the profession today.

“The evidence is there: Where we have higher health workforce density, we have longer life expectancy, improved productivity, and sustained economic growth,” said Howard Catton, Chair of WHPA and CEO of the International Council of Nurses. “Roughly 75% of the global health workforce is made up of health professionals. The professions need to work together to ensure that national and global health agendas prioritize strategic investment in health professionals which will ensure decent working conditions, high-quality care and reduced health system costs. Investment in health professionals is not only a best buy for global health, it is priceless.”

At the World Health Assembly this week, WHPA is calling on WHO member states to adopt the draft Strategy on the Economics of Health for All, which sets out a transformative approach to building economies that deliver health and well-being for all. An economy of health for all is impossible without sustained, strategic investment in the people who deliver health, WHPA will say.

Panel speakers:

Mike Landry - President, World Physiotherapy

José Luis Cobos Serrano - President, ICN

Jenny Gallagher - President of IADR*, representing FDI

Virginia Olmos - Vice President, FIP

Jacqueline Kitulu - President, WMA

*International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research

Early career perspective speakers:

Pascale Mathieu - President of the French National Council of Physiotherapists

Josephine Agyei - Chair of the ICN Alliance of Student and Early Career Nurses Steering Committee (ICN)

Mohamed Osman - Junior Doctors Network (WMA)

Yifan Zhou - Early Career Pharmaceutical Group (ECPG) External Relations Coordinator (FIP)