The inaugural Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum has concluded after three days of engaging sessions. The event, which commenced on May 5th, was held in Namibia and saw the participation of over 400 dignitaries from around the world.

Under the theme "Aligning and Stimulating Investments to Address Health Workforce Challenges in Africa," the forum addressed the pressing health crises exacerbated by inadequate human resources and a lack of investment in the sector. This has resulted in a significant exodus of health workers from Africa, seeking better opportunities abroad.

Speaking at the event, Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, highlighted that while factors such as inadequate remuneration and poor working conditions contribute to the challenges, the primary underlying issue that needs to be addressed is poverty.

She emphasised, "Poverty is the common underlying factor for all of us.

"We lack the financial resources to adequately compensate our health workers and establish sustainable systems. Therefore, in order to promote economic growth and social justice, we must prioritize economic development in our countries," said.

However, she emphasised that for nations to achieve fully sustainable economic development, a collective effort from African countries is essential. This goal requires a united effort and collaboration among all African nations.

"We need to collaborate and support each other's prosperity, growing together rather than competing against each other," she stated.

Atwine made this observation based on the premise that African countries often fail to support one another's economic growth.

She pointed out, "For instance, Uganda has a factory that manufactures ARVs, yet no East African country has ever purchased from us. Why don't we support each other's economic growth? When we strengthen our economies, we can afford to pay our workers better, reducing the need for them to seek opportunities elsewhere."

In the same vein, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, a Member of Parliament and Minister of Health and Social Services in Namibia, emphasised that addressing the shortage of trained health workers requires a multi-faceted approach.

This approach includes investment in training programs, providing incentives for health workers to remain in their home countries, and implementing initiatives to attract African professionals in the diaspora back to the continent.

"The number of Africans who have left the continent in search of greener pastures in other parts of the world is staggering. It is a matter that needs to be addressed as a top priority for African governments and, indeed, for all those who wish to see a shift in historical as well as current trends."

Furthermore, Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, highlighted in her address that there is a lack of experienced professionals to provide training to the younger cadres entering various health disciplines.

She also pointed out that remuneration packages in many public health services are not competitive with those in the private sector. This disparity has resulted in a significant loss of professionals from public health care services as they seek better opportunities elsewhere.

Professor Francis Omaswa, also in attendance, challenged African countries to stop viewing health solely in terms of profit economics, but rather as the wellbeing of the people.

He emphasized, "Let us go back to our nations, mobilise our people, and make them understand that health is key. Furthermore, we must encourage people not to vote for politicians who don’t support healthcare."

PS Atwine leads call for African collaboration at inaugural health workforce investment forum

She emphasised that for nations to achieve fully sustainable economic development, a collective effort from African countries is essential.

A group photo of dignitaries during the inaugural Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum in Namibia. Courtesy photo

Francis Emukule

Journalist @New Vision