Forty-two per cent of nurses in Africa plan to emigrate, threatening to further destabilise already weak health systems across the continent.
The Acting World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, stated this in a statement in commemoration of the 2025 International Nurses Day, themed: Our Nurses. Our Future.
Describing the development as alarming, Ihekweazu said it is the direct consequence of underinvestment, poor working conditions, and lack of professional opportunities for nurses in the region.
Dr Ihekweazu explained that nurses are the backbone of the health systems, and that nearly half of them are looking for any slightest opportunity to go to wealthier nations.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa however said there is a ray of hope for the sector the 2024 endorsement of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter by African leaders.
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