GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomed the appointment of a High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth by the United Nations Secretary-General.

The ILO looks forward to coordinating the work of the new commission with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“Strong health sectors capable of supporting the goal of health and well-being for all are vital foundations for inclusive and sustainable development. Today, this will require an increase in employment in the health sector of over 10 million – along with respect for the rights of health sector workers and assuring decent working conditions for them,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.

“I am honoured to serve as vice co-chair of the High Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth and bring the full engagement of the ILO to our discussions on how to meet our shared objectives,” he added.

Today, due to health workforce shortages, globally more than half of the population is excluded from access to needed health care, particularly women and children living in low and middle income countries.

The new commission will be chaired jointly by French President François Hollande and South African President Jacob Zuma, with ILO, WHO and OECD acting as co-vice chairs.

It is expected to deliver recommendations to the UN Secretary-General in September 2016.