Implementing the Agenda for Global Action on human resources for health: analysis from an international tracking survey

Abstract

Objective: A survey was conducted to analyse the governance and policy environment for human resources for health (HRH) development in 57 priority countries, with the objective of understanding the linkages between policy and context factors. Methods: Responses to a questionnaire tracking proxy indicators were received from 51 (89%) countries. Findings are presented by frequency; correlations were investigated through cross tabulations and multiple regression analysis. Results: The results indicate uneven performance among countries and across different domains of health workforce development. The only indicator showing a significant correlation with other areas of performance was implementing an HRH plan. No significant correlation with contextual factors was found. Discussion: Progress in addressing HRH challenges appears to be independent of contextual factors, suggesting that countries can improve their performance through concerted action by stakeholders. Having and implementing an HRH plan appears to be a key factor in galvanising that action.