Capacity Project Leads HRIS Workshop, December 11-12, 2007

On December 11 and 12 members of the IntraHealth-led Capacity Project conducted a human resources information system (HRIS) strengthening workshop in Washington, DC. Funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief the workshop aimed at launching a comprehensive HR information inventory project and building a HRIS community of practice. With additional funding from the World Health Organization and support from the World Bank, 50 human resources for health (HRH) leaders gathered to understand, and coordinate efforts to overcome, the barriers to gathering accurate and timely information on the health workforce . These leaders included representatives from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which funds the Capacity Project, the office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and a wide variety of nongovernmental organizations, universities and regional representatives.

Workshop participants outlined all HRIS strengthening activities underway in the 15 focus countries receiving support from the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Participants created a matrix showing these activities, the organizations funding them, and contact information for the activity leaders, many of whom were at the meeting.  

“It sounds like this database is very needed.  There is much effort taking place in different countries but currently the information cannot be compiled or shared.” 
Erin Mielke, MPH, Reproductive Health Technical Advisor, USAID 

This information will be used by the Capacity Project’s HRIS strengthening team to develop an HRIS inventory database, the first iteration of which is planned for the spring of 2008. Many participants agreed to consult on future development of the database. These HRH leaders, along with other interested members of the international HRH community, will work toward establishing a community of practice that can help countries effectively plan for their health-related human resource needs.