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Project Examples

Code of conduct

The Secretariat has implemented a code of conduct for the ethical recruitment of health workers within member countries. The Commonwealth Code of Practice provides a framework for interaction between countries to meet the basic health human resource needs of their populations. The global shortage of health workers - the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates this at 4.3 million – is having a devastating impact on healthcare systems in many developing countries already weakened by the burden of HIV/AIDS. The Code is intended to discourage targeted recruitment of health workers especially from vulnerable, countries experiencing shortages. It also safeguards the rights of recruits and conditions of employment in recruiting countries. This pioneering work by the Commonwealth Secretariat is informing the development of a global ethical code being drafted by WHO.

We are also a member of the Health Worker Global Advisory Policy Council, which seeks to find solutions to the worsening problem of health worker migration from developing countries. This Council is developing a roadmap and a framework for a Global Code of practice for health worker migration. We bring our experiences and those of member countries to the deliberations of the Council.

Download:

Commonwealth Code of Practice - PDF

Companion document - PDF

Enhancing midwifery skills

We increase the number of health workers with midwifery skills, since skilled health workers at birth are essential to reducing maternal deaths. Our work in this area involves.working with countries to increase the percentage of births being attended by skilled health workers.