The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that 42% of nurses in African countries, including Nigeria, intend to migrate abroad, threatening the region’s healthcare systems. In a statement on International Nurses Day, held on Saturday, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, noted the global nursing workforce’s growth to 29.8 million from 28 million in 2018.
Disparities in Healthcare Workforce
However, Dr. Ihekweazu highlighted disparities in the healthcare workforce, with 80% of nurses serving just 49% of the world’s population. “Today, on International Nurses Day, we honour the commitment, compassion, and courage of nurses across Africa and the world,” he said. “Nurses represent nearly 70% of the health workforce and are the foundation of our health systems, essential every day and indispensable in times of crisis.”
The 2025 International Nurses Day theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Health Systems and Economies,” stressed supporting nurses to ensure robust health systems. Dr. Ihekweazu noted that Africa’s nurse count rose from 900,000 in 2018 to 1.7 million in 2023 due to investments in education and training. Still, the nurse-to-population ratio remains among the lowest globally, far below high-income countries.
Challenges in Addressing Healthcare Workforce Shortages
“This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing healthcare workforce shortages in Africa,” Dr. Ihekweazu said. “Yet, this is still one of the lowest ratios worldwide and more than tenfold lower than in high-income countries.” He added that nurses make up 66% of Africa’s projected 6.1 million health worker shortfall by 2030, limiting access to healthcare and progress toward universal health coverage.
Brain Drain and Shortages
Despite 43% of African nurses being under 35, many lack mentorship or career pathways. Dr. Ihekweazu also flagged the recruitment of nurses by high-income countries, where nearly 25% of nurses are foreign-born, exacerbating shortages in low-income nations. A 43% shortfall in health workforce financing in African countries has led to underemployment, particularly among nurses and midwives.
Call to Action
In May 2024, African leaders endorsed the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter to address these issues. Dr. Ihekweazu cited Zimbabwe’s Investment Compact, aiming to raise $166 million annually over three years to bolster its health workforce. The WHO’s annual report recommends expanding nursing education, focusing on digital and clinical training, strengthening regulation, introducing advanced practice roles, and improving working conditions, including mental health support and fair pay.
Empowering Nurses
Dr. Ihekweazu stressed nurses’ multifaceted roles, noting, “Nurses are more than caregivers. They are educators, innovators, and frontline responders, often working in the most remote, under-resourced, or crisis-affected areas.” He further emphasized the need to support nurses, saying, “As we mark this day, let us move beyond words to action. Let us commit to building a future in which nurses are trained, protected, respected, and empowered to lead.”
Conclusion
The WHO’s warning highlights the urgent need for African countries, including Nigeria, to address the healthcare workforce shortages and prevent a nurse exodus. By investing in nursing education, improving working conditions, and providing support, African countries can strengthen their health systems and ensure that nurses are empowered to lead.