Thank you chair,
The human resource for health agenda continues to be a priority for Norway. Having been actively involved in developing the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, the global health workforce network, and a member of the High Level Commission, we warmly welcome this five-year action plan.
We appreciate the strong alignment between the Global Strategy and the five-year action plan, pointing out new directions for increased multi sector collaboration at both global and country level.
With an estimated shortfall of 18 million health workers, the theme of this Assembly's General Discussion "Building health systems in the era of sustainable development" could not be more timely.
Educating and employing health personnel is an investment, not a cost – if coupled with the appropriate measures in other sectors. The high-level meeting in December showed an unprecedented convergence around that message. That in itself is a success worth celebrating.
We also have to make sure that the recommendations become a force for the education and employment of women; for the appropriate labour market interventions and policies; and for the attainment of universal health coverage.
In order to realize the SDGs, including universal health coverage, the implementation of this action planis vital, with countries in the lead. Ensuring a strong and competent health workforce requires commitment and close collaboration among all key stakeholders across sectors, including governmental and private institutions as well as civil society actors.
Thank you.