Historically, human resources for health (HRH), or workforce management, was a responsibility of the public administration ministry or related departments of governments. Within this realm, the management of the health workforce consisted of filling posts and dispensing payments and benefits. Because of this management process, there was little if any strategic planning or monitoring of the production, distribution and management of the health workforce. Despite the fact that the success of the health systems and the front line of implementation of national health plans is carried out by the human resources for health, there had been little thought, political will, or fiscal space dedicated to the planning, development and management of HRH. By the 21st century, however, common understanding had shifted and national decision makers had begun to invest political and financial resources into strengthening the health workforce so that, as the interface between the health system and the care received, this cornerstone of the health system would align with the objectives of the national authorities and the best interests of the population. HRH planning (Appendix G) is about ensuring that there are enough health workers to meet the health care needs of the population, both now and in the future. The lack of an adequate health workforce in terms of supply, mix, distribution and training is a viewed as one of the most important challenges of the health system of the Region of the Americas and a major barrier for countries to achieve their national health goals. (AU)