Medical support remains one of the most dynamic components of field operations. With the growing complexity driven by global pandemics, protracted conflicts, evolving mandates and constrained resources, the medical challenges faced by field missions and duty stations have multiplied. The Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health (DHMOSH) of the Department of Operational Support continues to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of medical services by ensuring a qualified, ready and resilient workforce that meets the diverse needs of clients worldwide.
The Medical Workforce Management team, a key part of DHMOSH, plays a central role in strategic workforce planning, credentialing, deployment readiness and training oversight. By focusing on these critical enablers, the team helps ensure that medical personnel are available, qualified and well prepared to meet operational demands on the ground.
The team’s efforts in integrated mission planning and workforce coordination enhance operational readiness, particularly during mission transitions, drawdowns, closures and emergency situations. By aligning planning with real-world mission needs, the team supports seamless medical workforce transitions in complex environments.
Maintaining high personnel standards is a core priority. Through a streamlined and standardized credentialing and clearance process - supported by a closed-loop oversight mechanism involving Member States, field missions and Headquarters, the team expedites deployment while safeguarding the quality and compliance of medical personnel across all locations.
Continuous professional development is also emphasized. Each year, more than 50 global webinars featuring medical experts are offered to UN medical personnel. Alongside the newly launched Medical Training Portal on the Knowledge Gateway, these learning opportunities promote continuous education, support skills maintenance and foster knowledge-sharing across the medical workforce. Dedicated online courses - such as the Emergency Hemotherapy Course, the Force Medical Officers Course, and the Women’s Health Course - address workforce challenges and strengthen field readiness.
Through forward-looking strategies and close collaboration with stakeholders, DHMOSH continues to build a competent, prepared and resilient medical workforce, ready to serve all UN personnel around the world.
Questions? Contact medicalworkforcemanagement@un.org.
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