3.G. Round table: Supporting Ukrainian health workers: enhancing health system resilience and integration policies

Abstract Europe is facing a significant need for health workforce, exacerbated by an aging population, increasing healthcare demands, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage of healthcare workers is a pressing issue, with some countries experiencing severe gaps in their health systems. Ongoing geopolitical crises, particularly the war in Ukraine, have led to significant displacement of health professionals, presenting both challenges and opportunities for host countries. In response to these challenges, the inclusion of refugee health workers presents a promising solution. Refugee health workers possess valuable skills and experience that can significantly contribute to the health systems of host countries. By ensuring their continuous professional development, these workers not only enhance their capabilities while in displacement but also prepare to contribute to the rebuilding of their home country's health system upon their return. This round table aims to explore the inclusion of Ukrainian health workers as a case study with learnings to be shared with other countries, and potentially be replicated in other contexts. Through interventions from five speakers, the session will examine the rapid response mechanisms, such as the EU's activation of the Temporary Protection Directive, and the simplified procedures introduced by countries like Poland to facilitate the employment of Ukrainian health professionals. A personal story from a Ukrainian physician will underscore the human impact of these policies and the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration. IOM and WHO will share learnings from the implementation of a joint action with the European Commission, aimed at improving access to health care services for refugees and displaced people from Ukraine, which includes interventions focusing on assisting Ukrainian health workers in continuing their professional development while in displacement. Key objectives of the workshop include highlighting successful initiatives and support programmes that enable refugee health workers to continue their professional development and contribute to host communities, discussing systemic challenges and barriers faced by refugee health workers, and exploring potential solutions, promoting the development of inclusive policies that recognize the qualifications and skills of refugee health workers, in line with the WHO Global Code of Practice, and fostering cooperation between international organizations, national authorities, and local partners to create sustainable pathways for the integration of refugee health workers. Key messages • Targeted support programs, multi-sectoral collaboration, and coherent national policies aimed at integrating refugee health workers can contribute to building resilient and inclusive health systems. • The responses of host countries, the EU, the UN and partners in supporting the integration of Ukrainian health workers can serve as valuable lessons learned and be replicated in other contexts.