Behind the Scenes at WHO and the Science of Health Workforce. #Ep.37

9/4/2025 12:00:00 AM

In this episode, we’re joined by Jim Campbell, Director of Health Workforce at the World Health Organization (WHO), for a thought-provoking conversation about the global mission to deliver universal health coverage for everyone, everywhere.

Jim reflects on WHO’s founding purpose: ensuring that people across low-, middle-, and high-income countries, including the most vulnerable groups, have access to essential health services. But in today’s world, it’s not just diseases that threaten that mission. From climate change and natural disasters to rapid turnover in global health leadership--ministers of health changing every 19 months on average--the challenge of building consistent, sustainable policy is immense.

Jim shares insights into how WHO navigates these complexities while remaining grounded in evidence, science, and consensus-building. With 194 member states, 6 regional offices, and a deeply collaborative structure, WHO acts as both a science-led institution and a political platform, balancing difference with unity, and data with diplomacy.

Tune in to understand what it takes to shape global health policy in a rapidly evolving world and why, for Jim, building consensus is both a privilege and a necessity.