From ambition to action

ILO-WHO step up collaboration to address health emergencies and promote healthier and safer working populations

In a joint communiqué WHO and ILO acknowledge the need for and commit to strengthen the cooperation between the health sector and the institutions of the world of work to address more effectively the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, protect all workers from occupational injuries and diseases, and prepare workplaces for future public health emergencies.

ILO-WHO communiqué

WHO and ILO are committed to strengthening further their ongoing collaboration on public health preparedness and readiness for health emergencies, including at the workplace, and to engaging in joint action toward healthier and safer working populations in a safe and healthy work environment for a human-centred recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the Joint Action Group to protect transport workers and secure supply chains during the pandemic, WHO and ILO will enhance their broader cooperation taking stock of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health and work across sectors.

Particular joint efforts are needed to connect occupational health services to primary health care, safeguard the health and safety of health workers, address mental health at work, and strengthen the preparedness of the world of work for public health emergencies.

Both organizations will link their research agendas around areas of common interest, namely by expanding the estimates on the relations between health and work to inform future efforts and collaborations at the international and country levels.

We expect this would also stimulate collaboration between public health and labour authorities and their partners in countries.