Professionalisation of the public health workforce: why, what and how

Abstract

Abstract Background Member States of the WHO European Region are calling for guidance on how to build the capacity of the public health workforce to help strengthening health systems. The aim of this presentation is to stir the discussion about the professionalization of the public health workforce. Attention is paid to the why, what and how this should be done in countries of the European Region. Methods The European Competency Framework for the Public Health Workforce (Eco-FPHW) has been developed in the framework of the Coalition of Partners, led by WHO European Region, and is one of the pillars of the Roadmap to Professionalizing the public health workforce. The Eco-FPHW primarily relates to the core public health workforce, and that the definition of what constitutes the core public health workforce will differ from one country to the next. Results The Roadmap puts forward several possible levers and measures which include: public health education and training, competencies, formal organisation, credentialing and accreditation, codes of ethics and professional conduct as well as laws and regulations, enumeration and job profiles among others. These measures can be engaged with by a range of stakeholders who have important roles and insights into improving public health. Stakeholders include governments, ministries, national and regional/local health authorities, but also directors of public health training institutions, public health institutes, professional organisations, and employers of the public health workforce. Conclusions The Roadmap provides a guide for all those countries, institutions and organisations wishing to strengthen the delivery of the public health functions and to support the competencies of the public health workforce.