Pandemic preparedness with 20/20 vision: Applying an intersectional equity lens to health workforce planning

Abstract

Human resource for health (HRH) is considered critical for achieving Universal Health Coverage, and the crisis surrounding HRH is now established as a global emergency. Their vital role has been central in the pandemic response. Yet, the discussions and deliberations on the recent pandemic treaty circumscribe HRH discussions to their capacities and protection, and address discrimination mainly in relation to gender. While this paper endorses the case for prioritisation of HRH in global pandemic preparedness planning, it re‐frames the HRH crisis in relation to the institutional and structural factors driving HRH shortage, maldistribution and skills‐needs misalignment. We critique the supply‐and‐demand framing of HRH crisis as one that obliviates the systematic inequalities within health systems that underpin health workforce motivations, distribution, satisfaction and performance. We propose an intersectional equity lens to redefine the HRH challenges, understand their underlying drivers and accordingly integrate in the global pandemic preparedness plans.

Will urban scale affect health services inequity? The empirical evidence from cities in China

“…This intersectional equity is reflected in human resources, financial resources, etc. ( 62 ). The government needs to pay attention to the impact of population changes.…”

Exploring the inequalities experienced by health and care workforce and their bases – A scoping review protocol

“…To accordingly inform the discourse on HRH, this scoping review aims to systematically map literature that attempts to understand the inequalities experienced by health and care workers, their bases, their subsequent outcomes and the resulting impact on HLM and health system. This mapping will present the key concepts, research methods, theories and sources of evidence in HRH research using an inequality lens [ 26 ].…”