In a landmark initiative poised to transform healthcare across Africa, the continent is set to unveil its first-ever health investment charter at the African Health Workforce Investment Forum in Windhoek, Namibia, from May 6-8, 2024. This pioneering charter aims to mobilize resources and strengthen efforts to address the severe shortage of health workers, a pressing issue that threatens health systems and public well-being.
Africa faces a critical shortfall of 5.3 million health workers, prompting the ambitious goal of halving this deficit by 2030 through concerted investment and strategic partnerships. The African Health Workforce Investment Charter will rally both domestic and international funding to bolster the recruitment, training, and retention of health professionals, particularly in rural and primary healthcare settings.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, underscores the urgency of this initiative, emphasizing the detrimental impact of underinvestment and workforce migration on healthcare delivery across the continent. Efforts will focus on optimizing health workforce management to combat inefficiencies and ensure resources are effectively allocated.
The upcoming forum will convene key stakeholders from health, education, labor, and finance sectors, alongside civil society and international partners. Discussions will center on reviewing past achievements, shaping new strategies, and securing commitments to safeguard health workforce budgets amid economic challenges and global uncertainties.
Investing in Africa’s health workforce is not just a health imperative but a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development. Studies show that every dollar invested in health yields substantial returns, boosting life expectancy and driving economic productivity, particularly benefiting women and youth.
The forum anticipates engaging approximately 170 participants to foster collaboration and action towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage. Supported by key partners such as the ILO-OECD-WHO Working for Health Programme and The Global Fund, the initiative signals a united front in tackling Africa’s health workforce challenges and advancing healthcare for all.
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