Distinguished delegates,

The world is critically off track to address the healthcare workforce crisis. The global shortfall of 11.1 million health workers by 2030, alongside the rising burden of NCDs needs urgent attention. The rural/urban divide increases health inequities, affecting prevention, early detection and management of NCDs.

We applaud the recommitment of Member States and the WHO to accelerate action on workforce shortages and encourage Member States to support the resolution.

We urge Member States to develop national workforce strategies to optimize the health workforce to address the growing burden of NCDs. We ask the WHO Academy to tackle the skill-gap at the primary health care level, and to develop NCD modules to support the NCD PEN packages.

We advocate for the inclusion of health workers, and people living with NCDs, in shaping health policies and programs at all levels.

Thank you