WHO global plan of action for workers' health: Implementation update

This presentation provides an overview and update on the Network of Collaborating Centre’s (CC) Global Plan of Action for Workers Health (GPA) 2009-2012 Work Plan by introducing GPA objectives; describing the purpose and objective of the Work Plan in relation to WHO and member states obligations; describing the Work Plan priority initiatives; and outlining the expected outcomes. Priority initiatives include strengthening global public health systems and capacity building on environmental and occupational health issues for primary care providers. While on-going projects contribute to addressing the objectives of the GPA, the 2009-2012 Work Plan identifies and introduces new efforts to achieve substantial accomplishments of the GPA by 2012.  For example, there were five asbestos projects in the 2006-2010 Work Plan, but even together they would not succeed in carrying out a global campaign to eliminate asbestos-related diseases. For other commitments of the GPA ongoing projects touched upon but did not fulfill a priority commitment. Additionally, the 2006-2010 Work Plan had no projects that addressed the GPA commitment to carry out a global campaign to immunize healthcare workers.  The goal of the GPA 2009-2012 Work Plan is to focus the activities of the CCs, so that there will be measurable successes in 2013. To this end the 2009-2012 Work Plan includes sixteen priority initiatives.  The implementation plan includes inviting the CCs to identify projects and to work together in modified or new projects to achieve the commitments of the GPA.  Examples of expected outcomes include an inventory of national or regional action plans on workers’ health, development and validation of guidance documents and tools for programs on health and safety for health care workers, evaluation of the effectiveness of toolkits in low income settings, and conducting train the trainer courses for experts and training providers on assessment and management of occupational risks.