Interactive Dialogue of “Health and care workers: The oath takers & defenders of the right to health”

Date: 22 October 2025 (Wednesday)

On 22 October 2025, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, will present her most recent UN Annual Thematic Report, “Health and Care Workers: The Oath Takers & Defenders of the Right to Health.” She will present the findings of her report to Member States and CSOs. The interactive dialogue will involve member states commenting and presenting questions, which she will then respond to.

Report Summary

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, focuses on health and care workers – the oath takers and defenders of the right to health – and explores how the right to health is enshrined in international law and is essential for the realization of peace, security and sustainable development, while recognizing that the effective and full implementation of the right to health framework is crucial to a life of dignity. She stresses that health and care workers are at the forefront of the operationalization of the right to health and sheds light on the interconnectedness of human rights, which is increasingly evident in the current global challenges. 

She analyses how the social, political and commercial determinants of health work together to influence health and care workers’ enjoyment of the right to health and other health-related rights, as rights holders, as well as their ability to provide accessible, available, acceptable and quality healthcare and to defend the right to health of all without discrimination. The Special Rapporteur also recognizes the importance of the right to health framework in addressing the challenges faced by health and care workers as key to peace, security and sustainable development. 

In line with these assessments, the Special Rapporteur recommends a way forward for all relevant stakeholders, drawing from examples of good practices already being implemented. 

Lastly, she emphasizes that societies that enjoy lasting peace and security are better able to build resilient health systems and achieve sustainable development. Conversely, strong health systems and a protected, empowered health workforce contribute to social cohesion, conflict prevention and long-term stability.