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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed a major workforce challenge to Brazil, which has a large land area and a shortage of health workers in regions distant from the big cities.ProblemThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed a major workforce challenge to Brazil, which has a large land area and a shortage of health workers in regions distant from the big cities.The Brazilian health ministry implemented a computerized solution to provide rapid support to states and municipalities to hire health professionals from large urban centres to work in underserved areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. We designed an online system for health professionals to register their willingness to work on the COVID-19 response; the system was launched to the public in April 2020.ApproachThe Brazilian health ministry implemented a computerized solution to provide rapid support to states and municipalities to hire health professionals from large urban centres to work in underserved areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. We designed an online system for health professionals to register their willingness to work on the COVID-19 response; the system was launched to the public in April 2020.Brazil is a large country with great heterogeneity in access to health care across its different regions. Before the initiative was launched, 5 156 020 health professionals were officially registered with professional councils. However, an estimated 3 200 000, more than 60% of them, were working in the two regions with the highest standard of living.Local settingBrazil is a large country with great heterogeneity in access to health care across its different regions. Before the initiative was launched, 5 156 020 health professionals were officially registered with professional councils. However, an estimated 3 200 000, more than 60% of them, were working in the two regions with the highest standard of living.Up to February 2022, 1 007 138 health professionals had self-registered on the system, providing a sizeable database of professionals from a range of disciplines. Of these, 371 275 professionals were willing to work on the COVID-19 response in remote areas. By 1 February 2022, 157 755 professionals have been trained and deployed to these underserved areas.Relevant changesUp to February 2022, 1 007 138 health professionals had self-registered on the system, providing a sizeable database of professionals from a range of disciplines. Of these, 371 275 professionals were willing to work on the COVID-19 response in remote areas. By 1 February 2022, 157 755 professionals have been trained and deployed to these underserved areas.Partnership of the government with professional councils and the use of official communication channels were important strategies to improve registration and ensure the success of the scheme. We predict that the database will assist with future public health campaigns in Brazil.Lessons learntPartnership of the government with professional councils and the use of official communication channels were important strategies to improve registration and ensure the success of the scheme. We predict that the database will assist with future public health campaigns in Brazil.

The fragmented health sector in Somalia, burdened by financial challenges and an inadequate regulatory system, struggles to provide equitable essential health services to the entire population. To revise an essential package of health services that stakeholders could support and that aligned with stakeholders' financial and technical resources, the federal health ministry invited all key stakeholders in 2020 to participate in the revision process of the essential package. The ministry distributed a concept note to invited stakeholders, describing the scope and purpose of the revision process of the essential package. The note also contained a timeline and the expected contribution of each stakeholder. Stakeholders nominated representatives based on their technical expertise and knowledge of the health sector in Somalia. The health sector in Somalia involves multiple stakeholders, including the health ministry and many development partners. The private sector plays a substantial role in health-care provision. Public spending is an estimated 17% of the total health expenditure. After an 18-month revision process, the health ministry and development partners agreed to prioritize high-impact, cost-effective services and use a progressive realization of the package to improve access and coverage. The implementation strategy considers the health system and operational capacity of service providers, particularly in security-compromised areas. The approach showed that inclusivity, collaboration and transparency were of importance for a successful revision of the package. These achievements in consensus-building and priority alignment advance the government's pursuit of equitable and comprehensive health care for all.