Abstract
The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) puts a spotlight on the resilience of health systems and countries’ emergency preparedness and response. The rapid expansion of COVID-19 emphasizes the urgent need for a strong health workforce as an integral part of every resilient health system. This brief is intended to provide information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health workers and health systems, as well as information on early response measures taken. As the situation is changing so rapidly, the brief provides a preliminary overview, which will be updated and complemented in the coming weeks.