Investments in the global health workforce are imperative to achieve social security for all

As part of international efforts framed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to extend sustainable and adequate social security coverage, social security systems are increasingly looking to deliver holistic policy responses that meet the different needs of people across the life course. To achieve these objectives globally, not only must the design and goals of social security programmes be recalibrated but significant investments in the health workforce are required. Yet, a fundamental challenge is the current and projected mismatch between the global supply, demand, and need for health workers. A number of critical issues require attention: the need for more and better investments in the health workforce; recognition that the health workforce is not gender neutral and that policies that appropriately recognize, value, and reward women's work in health are of utmost importance; and that political will at the highest level and action across sectors is necessary to allow the required changes.