It was a timely message and a much-needed reminder from the World Health Organisation Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, on his visit to the National University of Samoa’s School of Medicine.

It was simple and clear. There is a need to invest in health workers. A country’s health system is only as strong as its workforce. It is something not only for the academics at the university to consider but for the government as well. “A resilient, compassionate, and committed health workforce is the most important investment any country can make,” said Dr Piukala. “Health systems rise or fall on the strength of their people.”

The shortage of doctors, nurses and specialists in medicine is not a new issue, and neither is it isolated to us. However, the situation we are in is avoidable. There is a worry at the intake level for those taking up medicine and those who do eventually leave for greener pastures because of the health system’s failure to pay competitive salaries.

The shortage of nurses is mainly due to pay and the working conditions offered in our hospitals. There are long hours as nurses are compelled by their oath to care for patients and fill the gaps created by the shortage. It is no wonder that many would prefer to take up seasonal work. Some left hospitals to join the emergency response services when positions were made available.

The same goes for the specialists that we need. Many specialised positions remain unfilled. A good example is the need for a forensic pathologist. Bodies lie in the morgue for weeks and sometimes for months. In some cases, the expensive equipment that has been procured cannot be used or repaired because the expertise is unavailable.

Ensuring that every person has access to health care is fundamental to ending poverty, increasing productivity, and building robust economies. With strong health systems in place, infants survive and grow up to thrive, girls and boys have the chance to develop skills and find good jobs, and parents can keep working and live well into old age in communities that support healthy ageing.

There is no health without health workers. To progress towards total health coverage, we must address health workforce challenges, including shortages, inefficiencies, inequities, and a lack of support and protection.

This requires increased investment in education of new health and care workers, providing them with jobs and decent working conditions, and creating capacities for health workforce intelligence, policy, planning and management.

Political will, as well as domestic and international financial resources, are essential. Investment in the health workforce aligns with education, equity, decent work and economic growth, and can deliver dividends across health outcomes, employment opportunities and health security.