Policies to Reorganize Population Strategies Focusing on the Role of Health Workers

Abstract

The continued decline in fertility rates below replacement level is a problem that needs to be addressed, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and has accelerated economic insecurity and disruption of health services. In the meantime, the attitude of health workers, who themselves promote population growth policies and social patterns, is decisive for childbearing. This policy brief considered the implementation of fertility increasing policies by focusing on the attitude of health workers and examined and analyzed three central options: first, implementing targeted training and empowerment programs to strengthen staff awareness and positive attitudes; second, designing support packages and welfare-economic incentives to reduce the main barriers to childbearing; and third, reforming the work environment to support families who intend to have children. Analysis of these options showed that the implementation of each, despite its benefits, faces implementation obstacles, including limited financial resources, cultural-organizational resistance, and the possibility of increased staff workload. Given the barriers and challenges, empowerment through low-cost, participatory interventions is a priority. It is suggested that action should begin with in-house training on work-life balance and the establishment of a family-friendly center rating system. At the same time, non-monetary incentives and targeted services, such as priority access to health services or discounts on daycare, should be designed and implemented for employees. Such a strategy, while reducing initial resistance, provides the basis for changing the attitude of health workers and having a greater impact on the fertility rate of the community in the long term. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.