As the International Conference on Primary Health Care draws to a close, USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health Atul Gawande has brought attention to the looming shortage of health workers worldwide. By 2030, there is expected to be a deficit of 10 million health workers, with nearly half of this shortage affecting Africa. This shortage is not only exacerbating health worker burnout but also threatening the effectiveness of health systems and the well-being of those who rely on them.
Without an adequate workforce, access to quality healthcare and innovative solutions will diminish. It is crucial to ensure that all health professionals, from those managing national programs to those providing direct patient care, are properly supported. JSI is joining forces with partners to advocate for increased commitment and investment in a safe and supported global health workforce. Through collaboration with health workers and evidence gathered from our work worldwide, we have identified specific strategies that can effectively support their efforts.
Prioritizing the well-being and professional development of health workers is essential to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services for all. The World Health Organization’s minimum target of 44.5 health workers for every 10,000 people may seem unattainable in many countries due to various factors such as low salaries, unsafe working conditions, poor infrastructure, and lack of community trust. However, JSI believes that with increased commitment and investment in a safe and supported global health workforce, this goal can be achieved.
To address this challenge, JSI has identified several strategies that can help support the efforts of health workers worldwide. These include investing in education and training programs to improve the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals; creating safe working environments for healthcare workers; improving infrastructure such as hospitals and clinics; increasing salaries; building community trust through transparency and accountability in healthcare delivery; and promoting gender equality in healthcare leadership positions.
In conclusion, it is imperative that we prioritize the well-being and professional development of our global health workforce if we want to ensure quality healthcare services for all people worldwide. With increased commitment from governments and international organizations towards supporting a safe
