As global leaders and policymakers convene in New York City for the 79th United Nations General Assembly Week (UNGA), mothers2mothers (m2m) is supporting the Health Workers Save Lives campaign, launched by Seed Global Health and Frontline Health Workers Coalition (FHWC), which seeks to raise awareness of the pivotal role of health workers in addressing global health challenges and secure expanded long-term investments and policy commitments for the health workforce. 

As a committed member of the FHWC, m2m is united in the importance of highlighting, supporting, and advocating for the vital role that health workers, especially female community health workers (CHWs), play around the world in delivering life-changing care to those who need it most. m2m Mentor Mothers—the local women living with HIV we train and employ as CHWs across sub-Saharan Africa—have shown the immense value of a highly skilled, well-resourced, fairly compensated, and formally recognised health workforce in the delivery of quality and compassionate health care services, education, and support. 

And yet, there is currently a global shortage of health workers, with the greatest shortfall felt in low-income countries and across sub-Saharan Africa—resulting in often overworked, underpaid, and under-resourced health workers. Investing in health workers is not only critical for strengthening health care systems, but also contributes to the achievement of broader development goals including economic growth through job creation and expansion of the health economy, as well as gender equity, as women represent 70% of health workers worldwide. 

If we are to tackle pressing global health challenges including adaptation to climate change, pandemic prevention and response efforts, the rise of noncommunicable diseases, and advancing health equity, we must urgently invest in health workers. By investing in their training, fair compensation, and working conditions, we can build a more resilient and equitable global health system.  

The goals of the Health Workers Save Lives campaign are therefore to: 

• Raise awareness of health workers and their pivotal role in addressing global health challenges, reaching an audience of 150 million;  

• Secure at least ten official campaign partners, including five by 2025;  

• Secure expanded provisions for human resources in health in at least three global health initiatives, policies, commitments, or declarations, making health workers a priority on the global agenda, enhancing policies and increasing investments;  

• Maximise the reach and impact of the campaign through strategic partnerships and media engagements. 

It is through sustained global partnerships, informed policies, and meaningful action like this that we can ensure health workers are equipped to deliver life-saving care to everyone, everywhere. Together, we have the power to push health workers’ voices and needs to the forefront of the global health agenda, which is why m2m is proud to support this campaign. Stay tuned to our social media channels to find out more!