The event will build on the ‘Protecting populations, preserving futures: optimising the health workforce to combat NCDs and achieve UHC’ [1] report, launched in 2019. One year on, in the midst of a global pandemic, the theme of optimal allocation of human resources for health is exponentially more relevant. The health workforce is under unprecedented levels of stress due to increased workload and shortages of protective equipment, high risk of contracting infection, stigma and the urgent need to learn new skills and understand a new disease. This multi-stakeholder discussion is hosted by NCD Alliance in collaboration with Viatris (formerly Upjohn - Pfizer).