An Enabled, Fit-For-Purpose Health Workforce in Africa

By Government of Kenya and Amref Health Africa

The population health needs across African countries have been evolving over the years. The share of the population aged 65 years and over has been rising, thus increasing the demand for long-term and chronic diseases management while the youth population balloons leading to new demands on adolescent health including mental health. Due to various factors, non-communicable diseases are on the rise.  Many African countries are experiencing a protracted double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Besides this, there is an increase in the frequency and scale of emergency situations, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.

To meet the current and emerging health needs in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), it is critically urgent to develop and maintain a robust, well-motivated, and empowered health workforce that is equitably distributed and fit for purpose for UHC and Health Security.