Africa’s healthcare system is facing an unprecedented crisis, with the World Health Organization (WHO) projecting a staggering 5.3 million health worker shortage by 2030.
This alarming deficit threatens to exacerbate existing health challenges, further compromising the continent’s ability to provide quality healthcare services.
The WHO Technical Officer, Muyiwa Ojo revealed this shocking statistic at a two-day capacity training in Abuja, Nigeria.
The training aims at empowering journalist to drive the change narrative with compelling data-driven health story, and was organised by the World Health Organization in Nigeria(WHO).
Ojo’s presentation, “Interventions to Improve Human Resources for Health in Nigeria,” highlighted the dire need for medical professionals, particularly doctors, in Nigeria.
Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, has approximately 86,548 doctors, but requires at least double that number (173,096) to effectively cover its population. The distribution of doctors is also skewed, with Lagos having 20% (17,309) and the Federal Capital Territory having 10%, leaving the remaining 35 states to share the remaining 70%.
Africa faces significant health workforce challenges. The continent will experience a shortage of 5.3 million health workers by 2030, accounting for half of the global shortage. Furthermore, 32% of health workforce strategies lack funding commitments, while 43% face employment funding gaps.
Unemployment and underemployment plague the health sector, with 1 in 3 health workers unemployed or underemployed. A staggering 45% of health workers plan to migrate, with 52% of nurses and midwives choosing the UK and 36% opting for the US.
The brain drain of health professionals from Nigeria and other African countries to developed nations worsens the shortage. Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ghana are top suppliers of nurses to the UK.
Globally, the health workforce is expected to grow by 29% by 2030, reaching 84 million health workers. However, Africa’s shortage is only projected to decrease by 15% despite this growth.
“The situation is critical, and urgent action is needed,” emphasized Muyiwa Ojo. “We must prioritize health workforce development, address funding gaps and implement effective retention strategies.”
To address the crisis, WHO recommends increased investment in health workforce education and training, improved recruitment and retention policies and enhanced collaboration between governments, healthcare organizations and international partners.
Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, pledged to address the shortage, stating, “We will work tirelessly to strengthen our health workforce and provide quality healthcare services.”
The African Union has also launched initiatives to tackle the health worker shortage, including the African Health Workforce Plan 2016-2030.
As Africa’s population grows, the health worker shortage poses significant risks to public health, economic development and social stability.
The international community must rally behind Africa to address this crisis, ensure quality healthcare and safeguard the well-being of millions.
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