This study explored the challenges and barriers to pharmacy health workforce development in post-conflict areas in sub-Saharan Africa. The results identified conflict-specific challenges such as unpredictable health needs, transport difficulties, and a shortage of the pharmacy workforce due to brain drain or interrupted schooling. Barriers to health workforce retention and growth were identified to be brain drain, the perception of an unsafe work environment, and a career pathway or commitment duration that did not fit the diaspora or expatriate staff. Policy solutions and efforts that can bring about long-term improvement are essential to achieve universal health coverage and the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals for conflict affected areas.

The World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams (WHO-EMTs) offer a critical international network of highly skilled healthcare professionals and volunteers. These teams are equipped with essential medical supplies and equipment and are capable of rapid deployment to provide emergency medical care in response to major public health crises and humanitarian emergencies. The deployment of WHO-EMTs has demonstrated the ability to enhance access to medical care, reduce health disparities, and minimize the impact of disasters and epidemics on vulnerable populations.

Chile has invested heavily in earthquake mitigation strategies, resulting in low death tolls after earthquakes. However, there is still room for improvement, such as providing universal, standardized response training and coordinating training among responders. Mitigation and prevention of disasters should be a priority, particularly for fast onset disasters like earthquakes.

The health system in Lebanon is on the brink of collapse due to factors such as economic deceleration, public distrust, refugee crises, and a decrease in the health workforce. The American University of Beirut has called for international assistance to prevent a complete shutdown of services.

India's healthcare system has faced numerous challenges due to natural disasters and man-made incidents, underscoring the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Incidents like the Elphinstone Road stampede and the collapse of Bhuj Civil Hospital during the Gujarat earthquake exposed the system's inadequacy in handling mass casualties. Flooding in Chennai and fire incidents in SUM Hospital and Murshidabad Hospital revealed vulnerabilities in hospital infrastructure, underscoring the importance of emergency power solutions and fire safety measures. The Tughlakabad chemical leak emphasized the need for chemical safety and emergency preparedness. These events underline the necessity for comprehensive disaster management plans, effective training of healthcare professionals, and resilient healthcare facilities to ensure hospital safety during emergencies.

This study explored the facilitating factors and barriers of female community health volunteers (FCHVs) during health emergencies in Nepal. FCHVs were the first responders to provide services after the earthquakes and were well accepted by the local communities. Lack of prior training and access to adequate medical supplies were identified as major barriers for FCHVs in the 2015 earthquakes. Providing regular disaster response training and strong leadership from the public sector with sustained investments will be essential for increasing the capacities of community health workforces to prepare for and reduce the impacts of future health emergencies in resource-poor settings.

The Ethnic Minority Health Project (EHMP) has provided community-based Health EDRM education interventions since 2009 in 16 ethnic minority-based villages in remote areas of China. This case study outlines the first EHMP project in Ma’an Qiao Village in Sichuan Province, China and highlights the key elements for planning and managing such a project. It is a good demonstration of an effective Health EDRM workforce development project in rural communities, and concludes with five recommendations for setting up a sustainable and effective Health EDRM education intervention in similar contexts.