South Africa is spearheading international efforts to strengthen healthcare systems as it hosts the third G20 Health Working Group (HWG) meeting this week, with the spotlight firmly on the global health and care workforce.
The virtual two-day meeting, which began on Thursday, is part of a series of events under South Africa’s G20 presidency and brings together global health officials and policy experts to tackle the urgent challenges facing healthcare personnel worldwide.
With the theme “Accelerate Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage,” the discussions are addressing a broad agenda — from expanding investment in health education and job creation, to upskilling and retaining frontline workers in a post-pandemic era.
“This meeting is a decisive step towards rethinking how we train, support, and protect the people who hold up our health systems,” said the Department of Health in a statement. “Equitable access to care begins with a strong, well-supported workforce.”
Technological transformation is also high on the agenda. Delegates are exploring how digital innovation can enhance the reach and efficiency of healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas. In parallel, participants are advocating for fair wages, secure working conditions, and mental health support for healthcare workers — a workforce stretched thin during recent global health emergencies.
This is the third in a series of G20 health meetings. During the second session held in March, South African Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi stressed the need to reallocate national resources toward health, forge stronger international partnerships, and explore new funding strategies to close gaps in healthcare financing.
The G20 includes 19 leading economies, the European Union, and, since 2023, the African Union. Together, the group accounts for nearly three-quarters of the world’s healthcare professionals and more than half of the global health workforce — placing it in a strategic position to influence policy and resource flows.
South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2024, marking the first time it has led the bloc since its inception. The country’s term runs until November 30, 2025.