2021 designated as the International Year of Health and Care Workers

Member States at the resumed virtual, 73^rd World Health Assembly, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of the millions of health and care workers at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic, unanimously designated 2021 as the International Year of Health and Care Workers (YHCW).

Member States and Non-State Actors in unison, spoke to the critical role of health and care workers in ensuring our health and prosperity. They emphasized the urgency and imperative to address persistent health worker challenges.

As part of the ten-year anniversary and review of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel (Code), the World Health Assembly discussed the increasing scale of international health worker migration.  Member States recognized the high relevance of the Code, particularly in the context of Covid-19, and called for its’ strengthened implementation.

Further, Member States expressed commitment to the ethical principles and practices of the Code, urging prioritization of support and safeguards for the countries with the greatest vulnerability, including greater investment. ….more