Africa
Human resources for health in Africa
Human resources crisis in Africa requires more than just training new staff
Authors:
A. Lucas
Publisher:
British Medical Journal , 2005
This editorial, from the British Medical Journal, responds to World Health Organization estimates that over 1 million health workers will need to be trained by 2010 to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The author argues that it is too simplistic to look at overall numbers because the situation varies from country to country. Furthermore, problems in health service delivery are made worse by drug shortages, broken equipment, and poor logistical support, and the author argues that investments in human resources (HR) need to be balanced with investments in these areas in order to improve health service delivery.
The author recommends strong African leadership to direct debate and discussions, as well as analysis within countries to establish national and local needs for health workers. Regional consultations and networking are required to share relevant lessons, as are diagnostic approaches to inform evidence based action, which would generate information about the distribution and flow of health workforces. Other recommendations include: development of HR policies which are relevant, affordable, sustainable and realistic about trained staff migration; adoption of and respect for HR policies by national authorities and development partners; and evaluation and review of relevant experience and innovations within and between African countries. [adapted from author]
