The World Health Organization (WHO) is warning about a critical shortage of healthcare workers in Africa, projecting a potential shortage of 5.3 million healthcare professionals by 2030. Without quick and effective measures from African governments, the healthcare Infrastructure in these countries may suffer, resulting in millions lacking essential medical services. This warning was revealed from a two-day training program hosted by WHO in Abuja for health journalists. Nigeria is currently experiencing a critical lack of medical personnel, ranking among the worst in the world, with a shortfall approaching one million workers.
This data positions Nigeria as having the third-largest shortage of medical workers globally. During the training event, Dr. Muyiwa Ojo, a Technical Officer for Human Resources for Health (HRH) at WHO Nigeria, noted the seriousness of this issue. He emphasised that the medical system is under pressure due to insufficient qualified personnel, a situation that worsens the escalating problem of brain drain. Multiple talented medical staff are departing the nation for improved job prospects overseas, complicating the country’s ability to keep the necessary expertise to satisfy its medical needs.
Nigeria is among 55 nations identified as facing health workforce issues.
An effective medical services system relies heavily on the strength and sufficiency of its workforce, which is critical for providing high-quality medical services. Nevertheless, the existing shortage poses a major challenge across the nation, reducing the standard of care accessible to its citizens. The WHO identifies Nigeria as one of 55 nations struggling with severe health workforce issues, noting the urgent need for reform and global support. Dr. Ojo pointed out that the medical system is affected by ineffective workforce planning, imbalanced personnel distribution, and insufficient strategies for attracting and keeping medical professionals.
Shortcomings in the labour market, a lack of educational and training opportunities, and persistent financial shortfalls in the health sector worsen these systemic challenges. As a result, medical services provision in the nation has been negatively affected, making it difficult for the system to fulfil Public Health needs. The current medical workforce crisis jeopardises its standards and weakens the nation’s capacity to handle public health emergencies. Dr. Ojo’s analysis of Nigeria’s healthcare difficulties reflects issues across Africa, where the combined impacts of talent of brain drain, inadequate strategies, and lack of Investment risk could cause a widespread failure of medical systems if not tackled promptly.
Media’s role in tackling GBV and sexual exploitation was emphasised.
During the same workshop, participants highlighted another urgent concern, which is the media’s impact on addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation. Ms. Oyinloye Inigbehe, a Technical Officer at WHO focused on GBV, emphasised how vital the media is in promoting awareness and advocating for issues related to GBV and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). She noted that greater media attention can support survivors, bring attention to the underlying issues of such violence, and encourage policy reforms aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
Ms. Inigbehe stressed that these matters are critical to the Global Fund Strategy, which aims to tackle health-related issues and societal elements contributing to gender disparity and violence. By highlighting these topics, the media is crucial in mobilising public opinion and influencing policy actions to alleviate these injustices and assist those affected. Meanwhile, enhancing the medical framework may lead to extensive benefits. A well-equipped and sufficiently staffed medical sector would facilitate access to high-standard care, reducing individuals’ need to pursue medical services outside the country and increasing public confidence in the system. A primary approach to realise this would involve improving medical professionals’ hiring, education, and retention.
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For example, countries like Rwanda have made notable investments in medical services worker Education and retention, with positive results for their health outcomes. By investing in similar strategies, the country can build a robust and resilient medical system capable of addressing current and future challenges. Moreover, tackling the fundamental issues behind brain drain, including insufficient pay and substandard working environments, is crucial for keeping talented individuals in the nation. Modifying medical sector regulations to ensure fair workforce distribution and enhancing training programs may also be essential in advancing the sector.