Championing Health Workers: The Best Way to Improve Global Health and Save Lives For Less

IntraHealth International and Save the Children hosted an event together in September on Capitol Hill to highlight effective approaches that address the health workforce crisis. Investing in health workers, especially those on the frontlines of care, is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways to improve health and save lives in developing countries.

“Health workers serve as the bridge between a rapidly expanding body of knowledge and communities in need of medical care,” says Maurice Middleberg, head of global policy at IntraHealth and panelist in the discussion.

Medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and preventive services all require someone being there to deliver care (read: Who’s There?). Health workers are the essential link to reducing disease and health disparities around the world, assert IntraHealth and Save the Children; the best way to save lives, and advance U.S. interests in a more stable and prosperous world is to invest in the people who can make the most difference. 

The World Health Organization estimates a shortfall of more than four million health workers—doctors, nurses, midwives, lab techs, pharmacists, and others missing from the frontlines of care—and those who are working need more skills, tools, and support. 

Panelists discussed ways that public policy—especially U.S. government policy—and public-private partnerships can help accelerate progress to increase access to skilled health workers for the world’s most vulnerable.

  • Amie Batson, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Global Health, USAID
  • Mugara Joseph Mahungururo, Nurse and Midwife, Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
  • Michael Bzdak, Director of Corporate Contributions, Johnson & Johnson
  • Mary Beth Powers, Campaign Chief, Newborn and Child Survival, Save the Children
  • Maurice Middleberg, Vice President for Global Policy, IntraHealth International

Contact Maurice Middleberg for more information on how your office can join this effort.