The latest research report published by the Harambee Africa International Foundation is now online and available for download. It addresses the issue of the exodus of medical personnel from Africa, one of the most critical challenges for public health in the continent.

The study illustrates the current state of medical care in Africa, highlighting, through alarming numerical data, the significant gap between the presence of doctors and nurses in sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union.

“The total deficit of 850,000 doctors in 20 African countries is a crisis that requires immediate and thoughtful action” declares Dr. Léon Tshilolo, one of the authors.

The causes of this legal emigration are analyzed, with particular attention to the Nigerian case, where the lack of infrastructure, adequate salaries, and decent working conditions are just some of the reasons fueling this exodus. The impact on life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, as well as healthcare spending and investments in the sector are examined, with evident consequences even for non-African contexts.

The report also presents some concrete proposals to address the problem, encouraging dialogue and promoting African solutions. “The migration of medical personnel is not just a statistical phenomenon; it is an urgent call to action to ensure a better future for all Africans”, emphasizes the other author of the report, Dr. Soile Olufunso Adetola.

The document can be downloaded through this link: The Exodus of Medical Personnel from Africa – A Major Challenge for Public Health.

Every year, Harambee publishes a study on issues related to current African affairs, authored by reputable African experts, to promote a balanced view of Africa and support African solutions to the major ongoing challenges.