Human Resources for Health

At a time when millions of new dollars are flowing into developing countries, especially those with a high prevalence of HIV & AIDS, MSH works to impact an area of health that has unlimited opportunities to improve and save lives: the health workforce.

MSH helps governments develop multisectoral strategies and policies to plan and manage their health workforces. We use a comprehensive approach that addresses all the facets of human resources for health needed to achieve an adequate supply of well-trained and motivated health workers. MSH offers capabilities in leadership, human resource management, education, partnerships, policy, and finance to achieve these goals.

Developing Leadership in Human Resources for Health MSH’s expertise lies in empowering staff at all levels and transferring knowledge to local people and organizations. Through improved leadership, managers at all levels demonstrate that they value health workers and inspire staff to face challenges and achieve results.

Strengthening Human Resource Management (HRM) Systems MSH works to strengthen HRM systems and train human resource managers to ensure the supply and retention of well-trained health workers. Professional human resource managers play a key role in creating a positive workplace environment and implementing solutions to meet the HR crisis.

Providing Education to Increase Capacity MSH provides both pre-service and in-service training for health workers in dozens of countries and has trained thousands of community volunteers around the world. MSH also works to build capacity of pre-service training institutions in order to strengthen the supply of health workers with appropriate skills.

Building Partnerships, Increasing Coordination MSH brings together donors, the public and private sectors, ministries of health, and a variety of organizations and communities to develop and implement sustainable solutions to the human resource crisis.

Strengthening Human Resource Policy MSH addresses human resource policy through task shifting, standards, licensing, and accreditation. Through updated policy in these areas, the employment process is more streamlined and career development standardized.

Improving Economic Outcomes MSH helps countries to mobilize financial resources and assist organizations to become grant recipients. Increasing the overall budget for health services contributes directly to improved health outcomes for the population.

This framework was developed by representatives of multilateral and bilateral agencies, donors, partner countries, MSH and other NGOs, and the academic community at a technical consultation sponsored by WHO and USAID.