European Small Countries Commit to Strengthening Sustainable Health Workforce

Countries participating in the WHO European Region’s Small Countries Initiative have reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable health workforce, recognising the critical role of healthcare professionals in delivering resilient and accessible health systems. The commitment was highlighted during the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Small Countries Initiative, where ministers and senior officials discussed strategies to address workforce shortages, improve retention and strengthen long-term health system capacity. Participants emphasised the need for coordinated action to ensure health systems can respond effectively to current and future challenges. Discussions focused on measures including workforce planning, education and training, skills development and improving working conditions for healthcare professionals. The countries also exchanged experiences and best practices aimed at supporting recruitment and retention across the health sector. The meeting underscored the importance of investing in health workers as a foundation for resilient healthcare systems and sustainable development. Participants highlighted the need for continued collaboration to strengthen workforce capacity and ensure access to quality healthcare services across their countries.