PAHO highlights the central role of health workforce education planning for stronger systems based on primary health care at APHA 2025

Washington, D.C., 5 November 2025 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) participated in the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting, held in Washington, D.C., from November 2 to 5, under the theme "Making the Public's Health a National Priority." The event gathered more than 12,000 public health professionals and partners from around the world to discuss strategies for advancing global and regional health agendas.

As part of the meeting, PAHO led the high-level panel "Enhancing Primary Health in the Americas through Strategic Health Workforce Education Planning" on November 4. The session explored the critical role of education and governance in strengthening human resources for health (HRH) as the backbone of resilient and equitable health systems.

Moderated by Benjamín Puertas, Unit Chief of Human Resources for Health at PAHO, the panel brought together distinguished experts, including Rocío Sáenz, former Minister of Health of Costa Rica; Viviana Martínez-Bianchi, President of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA); Erin Fraher, Co-Director of Health Workforce Research and Policy at the Cecil G. Sheps Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Cristian Morales, PAHO/WHO Representative in Brazil.

Panelists discussed strategies to transform health professional education, strengthen primary health care (PHC), and enhance workforce planning to meet evolving population health needs in the Americas. The conversation underscored the importance of aligning education systems with service delivery priorities, promoting interprofessional education and collaborative practice, and addressing challenges posed by demographic shifts, epidemiological transitions, and health worker migration.

"Building resilient and equitable health systems requires investing in the health personnel- their education, their working conditions, and their capacity to lead change," emphasized Benjamín Puertas. "Strategic planning for the health workforce is essential to ensure that every community in the Americas has access to well-trained, motivated, and valued health professionals."

A key element of the discussion was the transformation of health professionals' education, specifically highlighting the role of interprofessional education and collaborative practice to foster stronger teamwork among health personnel. The session also highlighted country experiences and innovative approaches to HRH governance and regulation, including policies for professional valuing and retention, and the incorporation of family and community health specialists into primary care networks.