The adoption by WHO's Member States of the Global Code of Practice in the
International Recruitment of Health Personnel, and the implementation of it by so
many countries, represent two of the biggest steps in recent years towards solving the
shortage of health-care workers around the world.
The countries' response has been a momentous achievement. Now, a third big step is
being taken with the publication of this book. It underlines WHO's unwavering
commitment to supporting the implementation of the Code and provides a wide range
of detailed examples from the countries themselves of how they are tackling the many
complex issues involved. It provides not just numerous insights into progress but also
gives other countries valuable guidance and recommendations on how they, too, can
implement the Code.
Countries are encouraged to learn from the shared experiences, domestic solutions
and multi?]lateral cooperation described in this book, and move ahead to support and
advance the Code's aspirational principles. By doing so, they also strengthen the
campaign towards Universal Health Care - a campaign that requires innovative
solutions to the health workforce shortage in order to be successful.
The crux of the Code is the development of human resources for health through all
aspects of education, improved retention and fair recruitment practices while
encouraging technical collaboration and financial support. WHO is playing a leading
role in these initiatives and stands ready to assist all its Member States in
implementing the Code. We strongly recommend this book to health policy-makers
and decision-takers in governments, nongovernmental organizations and other
partners and stakeholders, including civil society. They will find it an indispensable
guide to a better future for health-care personnel and the people they serve.