Improving the health workforce in Africa: the weak link

Abstract

The article discusses the health workforce challenges in Africa focussing generally on the 46 countries of the WHO Africa region but within the context of the global shortages that has reached crisis levels. The momentum gained in advocating to reverse the crisis; the key issues and challenges being faced; the global, regional and sub-regional high level commitments on what needs to be done. Some of the reasons why these commitments are not yet bearing evident fruit in countries is also discussed. An argument is made that while recognizing that the issues are complex and require multiple actions, one of the major weak links identified in this chain is the weak human resources function in the ministries of health. The strengthened function should include coordinating and following up the pledges and commitments made for the health workforce in a sustained and strategic manner. The main outcome would be effective health services for the populations being served.