From 1–7 April 2026, the global health community marks World Health Worker Week, a moment to recognize the people who form the foundation of health systems everywhere. This year, members of the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA), including FDI, are joining efforts to highlight a clear message: investing in the health workforce is fundamental to healthier populations and resilient economies.

The WHPA brings together global organizations representing dentists, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists—collectively representing more than 47 million health professionals worldwide. Through this alliance, FDI works alongside other health professions to advocate for stronger health systems, support the health workforce, and promote interprofessional collaboration.
 

Strong health systems rely on a strong workforce

Health professionals are at the heart of patient care. Every day, millions of dentists, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and other practitioners provide essential services: from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and long-term care. They are often the most trusted point of contact within health systems and deliver the majority of interventions that prevent and manage disease. 

As health challenges grow more complex, effective responses depend on collaboration across the health workforce. Each profession contributes distinct expertise, and coordinated care across disciplines enables health systems to respond more effectively to the needs of populations.
 

Investing in health workers strengthens societies and economies

Investment in the health workforce delivers benefits far beyond healthcare itself. Evidence from the World Health Organization shows that supporting health professionals contributes to stronger economies and progress toward universal health coverage. 

Yet many countries continue to face significant shortages of health workers, limiting access to care and placing pressure on existing systems. Addressing these gaps is not only a health priority, it is also an economic opportunity. Reducing the global shortage of health workers could add more than USD 1 trillion to the global economy, while significantly reducing the burden of disease. 

Dentists and dental teams are an integral part of this workforce. Oral diseases affect 3.7 billion people worldwide and are closely linked with many other health conditions. Preventing and treating these diseases requires strong integration between oral health services and broader healthcare systems.
 

Recognizing the people behind healthcare

World Health Worker Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of health professionals everywhere and to renew global commitment to supporting them. Governments, policymakers and health organizations all have a role to play in ensuring that health professionals receive the investment, training and support they need to serve people worldwide.
By working together through partnerships such as WHPA, the global health community can continue to build a workforce capable of meeting today’s challenges—and tomorrow’s.