From October 28–31, 2024, ACCESS Health International actively participated in the 13th Asia-Pacific Action Alliance on Human Resources for Health (AAAH) Conference, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This annual conference serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration and sharing insights on Human Resources for Health (HRH) across the Asia-Pacific region. It brings together HRH experts, policymakers, and international organizations to advance research, policy development, and sustainable strategies for health workforce resilience and preparedness.
This year’s conference, themed around strengthening HRH capacities through regional collaboration, highlighted pressing challenges and opportunities for building resilient health systems. ACCESS Health played a significant role, contributing expertise across several key sessions.
- Dr. N. Krishna Reddy, CEO of ACCESS Health, participated as a panelist in the session titled “Defining Resilience in the Health Workforce and Building National Strategies That Prepare for Public Health Emergencies.” He emphasized the importance of building resilient national health workforces capable of responding effectively to crises. Drawing lessons from recent global health emergencies, Dr. Reddy highlighted the need for continuous learning and comprehensive support for healthcare workers to ensure their well-being and readiness.
- Girish Bommakanti, Director (Global), Strategic Growth and Operation at ACCESS Health, was a panelist in the session titled “Professionalising Community Health Workers: Pathways to Building an Empowered, Protected, and Resilient Workforce.” Girish discussed the critical pathways to enhancing the professional status of community health workers, focusing on empowerment, adequate protection, and fostering resilience within this essential workforce sector.
- Dr. Shweta Singh, Sr. Technical Specialist (Research and Public Health), and Girish Bommakanti jointly facilitated a World Café session titled “Lessons from the Field During Public Health Emergencies.” This interactive forum enabled participants to share insights and best practices from frontline experiences, highlighting practical strategies for overcoming challenges in emergency healthcare delivery.
ACCESS Health’s involvement in the AAAH conference reflects its deep commitment to strengthening HRH policies and capacities. By actively engaging in discussions and sharing innovative approaches, ACCESS Health continues to play a pivotal role in shaping resilient and prepared health workforces in the Asia-Pacific region.