Human resources for health (HRH) is an important asset for health systems and health care in any country. In fact, health systems can not function without the health workforce including doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health personnel, administrative and support staff. They are all critical to the management and delivery of health care to population.In Sudan, the health system and the human resources for health are deeply rooted. The country has always been a source of qualified health personnel who contributed sincere efforts to health services and medical education in Sudan and beyond
Today, Sudan is in possession of a huge potential in education and development of health workers with a multitude of educational institutions in both public and private sectors. Despite this, our country is facing many challenges relating to the domain of HRH. Better planning, management and coordination are needed to make the best out of this potential in health workforce. However, good planning and management is not possible in the absence or shortage of data, information and evidence.
Thus, we are very pleased that Sudan now hosts an observatory for HRH as a pioneering country in the region in this regards. The National Human Resources for Health Observatory (NHRHO) is highly welcomed by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and we look forward for its contribution to the production of evidence and consensus needed to inform policy and decision making in the health sector. Actually, the information and analysis which emanated from the NHRHO during its short existence has contributed positively to shaping some policies especially in HRH education and production. We are thankful to the WHO for its support to the observatory and we will remain committed to support the NHRHO and to make use of evidence provided through its work. I call for all stakeholders and partners to show full participation in the NHRHO as contributors as well as beneficiaries.
The FMOH is also aware of the international initiatives and focus on health workforce issues, in fact Sudan has been identified as a pathfinder country by the Global Health Workforce Alliance (GHWA). The country health sector will remain committed to giving priority to HRH issues for better health care and health of the population. This website is an excellent milestone in advocating for and bringing focus to health workforce issues. Besides its role in dissemination of information and evidence, the website is also expected to function as a platform for national, regional and international interaction in the field of human resources for health. Finally, the FMOH will continue to advocate for policies that support human resources for health for better health services .
(From The Ministerial Address by H.E Dr Tabita Boutros, Federal Minister of Health)
