Although efforts to address shortage and performance of Human Resources for Health (HRH) have accelerated over
recent years, HRH problems continue to hamper the goal of quality service delivery [1]. Currently, fifty-seven countries
face a critical workforce shortage and many more countries are not able to provide quality care to their
population because of workforce problems [2]. Why is there little progress in addressing the HRH crisis?
Is governance the elephant in the room of HRH? Do we prefer not to mention it? Or do we have the different parts
in our hands but are not able to assemble it to make it work for better results? We believe that the influence of
governance is undervalued in the debate on the HRH crisis, both globally and at country level. This thematic series
of the HRH journal aims to expand the evidence base on the role of improving governance in addressing the HRH
crisis.