The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm on a looming crisis in Africa’s healthcare sector, as 42% of nurses on the continent report intentions to emigrate. This exodus poses a significant threat to the region’s already strained healthcare workforce. Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, issued the warning on International Nurses Day, highlighting the severe disparities in healthcare delivery globally.
According to Dr Ihekweazu, nearly 80% of nurses serve only 49% of the world’s population, underscoring the inequities in healthcare access. He noted that nurses represent nearly 70% of the health workforce and are the foundation of health systems, essential in times of crisis. The theme for 2025 International Nurses Day, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Health Systems and Economies,” emphasizes the importance of supporting nurses to build resilient health systems.
Despite recent investments in nursing education and training in Africa, the number of nurses has increased from 900,000 in 2018 to 1.7 million in 2023. However, the nurse-to-population ratio remains one of the lowest globally, significantly lower than in high-income countries. Dr Ihekweazu pointed out that this disparity highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing healthcare workforce shortages in Africa.
The WHO notes that nurses account for 66% of Africa’s projected shortfall of 6.1 million health workers by 2030, limiting access to essential healthcare services and hindering progress towards universal health coverage. Furthermore, many nurses in Africa lack access to mentorship or clear career pathways, with 43% of the nursing workforce under 35. The continued recruitment of nurses from low-income countries by high-income nations is also a concern, with foreign-born nurses accounting for nearly 25% of their nursing workforce.
To address these challenges, African leaders have endorsed the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, which paves the way for long-term improvements. Some countries, like Zimbabwe, are taking steps to strengthen their health workforce, with a new Investment Compact aiming to mobilize an additional $166 million annually over the next three years.
The annual report outlines key recommendations, including expanding nursing education, strengthening regulation, and introducing advanced practice roles. Improving working conditions, such as mental health support and fair pay, is also crucial. Despite women comprising 85% of the nursing workforce, the gender pay gap remains at 7%. Dr Ihekweazu emphasized that nurses are more than caregivers; they are educators, innovators, and frontline responders who deserve to be trained, protected, respected, and empowered to lead. As the world marks International Nurses Day, the focus shifts from words to action, commitment to building a future where nurses are valued and supported.
