FG, WAHO Seek Regional Plan to Retain Health Workers, Tackle Japa Syndrome
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has canvassed stronger regional cooperation and practical measures to address migration of health workers and improve healthcare delivery across West Africa. The government’s
The Federal Government has urged regional cooperation and practical measures to tackle the migration of health workers and improve healthcare delivery in West Africa. This was revealed as the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) highlighted that Africa accounts for 24 percent of the global disease burden but only three percent of the global health workforce.
WAHO stated that 85,000 to 90,000 Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses are registered in the UK, with a projected need for an additional 4.2 million workers by 2030. A meeting organized by WAHO aimed to develop strategies for retaining skilled professionals, enhancing workforce planning, and strengthening health systems across the sub-region.
Dr. Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health, emphasized the need for coordinated action at national, regional, and continental levels to address the health workforce challenge. The meeting coincided with key events including the 50th anniversary of the West African College of Physicians and a high-level African Union forum on community health workforce, scheduled for Abuja from October 28 to 30.
WAHO Director General, Prof. Palokinam Pitch, highlighted the need for harmonizing training curricula and long-term planning to address the departure of health professionals amid growing health challenges.
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