[Human resources challenges in implementing the essential public health functions in Colombia, 2023Desafios de recursos humanos para a implementação das funções essenciais de saúde pública na Colômbia, 2023].

Objective: To characterize the workforce that performs public health actions related to the essential public health functions.

Methods: Exploratory study with a qualitative approach; municipalities selected according to administrative criteria; purposive sampling, with at least 20 people in four departments. Occupations were defined based on stakeholder mapping and organizational charts of institutions. Data were collected in Google Forms^® and face-to-face workshops, and were processed in Excel^® and SPSS^®.

Results: Within the different phases of the policy cycle, priority was placed on following sub-functions: in "Evaluation", strengthening information systems, surveillance, emergency preparedness, and promoting evidence-based research; in "Policy development", leadership and governance, with the participation of vulnerable groups; in "Resource allocation", the need to improve the competencies and distribution of health personnel, and to guarantee access to medicines and sustainable financing; and in "Access", prevention and early detection of diseases, with a comprehensive approach to the social determinants of health. A concentration of professionals in capital cities and a need to improve working conditions were identified.

Conclusions: The essential public health functions strengthen stewardship in health and improve access, equity, and quality of life in Colombia. Priority sub-functions were identified in each phase of the policy cycle, particularly in the "Access" component. Given the diversity of occupations, it is necessary to formally recognize and coordinate these profiles. The findings offer guidance on public health education and support strategic planning and the formulation of comprehensive public policies.