In Africa, the majority of people do not have access even to basic health care. Many die from preventable diseases. At the root of the crisis is a critical shortage of health workers. Africa has the fewest per capita of any region in the world.
The "brain drain" is part of the problem. Health workers are often underpaid and underequipped to meet demand for their services, especially in rural and slum areas where the burden of care is heaviest. Understandably, they are drawn to better paying jobs in the major cities and abroad.
To make matters worse, many African countries simply do not have the capacity to train enough doctors, nurses and clinical officers.
As part of its commitment to strengthening health systems and building healthy communities, AMREF trains health workers from across Africa every year. These include community members who work to promote health in their own communities, as well as professionals attached to the formal health care system.
Click here to see AMREF's facebook page.
Case study 1
Reversing the brain drain in Southern Sudan
Case study 2
Community Health Workers: Helping to fill the gap
Click here to listen to a podcast about the Community Health Workers
