Addressing health worker migration in Africa

Abstract

The African region has experienced significant growth in health workforce development due to concerted efforts and investments. This progress has improved access to healthcare services and addressed critical shortages of health workers. However, the region still struggles to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator threshold of 44.5 medical doctors, nurses, and midwives per 10,000 population. An estimated deficit of 6.1 million health workers is anticipated by 2030 unless urgent actions are taken. This shortage is exacerbated by increased health worker migration, driven by the demand in high-income nations and the dual challenges of an ageing workforce and population. Addressing the factors driving healthcare worker migration is crucial to strengthen local healthcare systems and ensure quality medical services. Weak mechanisms for tracking health worker migration, due to limitations in health planning and workforce information systems, impede understanding of this situation. Countries in the African region can undertake initiatives such as pursuing mutually beneficial bilateral or multilateral agreements to manage international migration of health workers. Additionally, harnessing the potential benefits of migrant health workers in improving health systems and protecting their labour rights is essential. African countries should conduct thorough health labour market analyses to plan the production, funding, employment, and retention of sufficient health workers. Exploring contextual factors and policies that influence health workers’ choices and potential incentives to encourage the return of migrant health workers is also vital. Dialogues among internal stakeholders and between countries can lead to mutually beneficial mechanisms for skills exchange and proportionate investment.