It is the poorest countries that pay for the health care of developed countries. Hospitals and private institutions in rich countries have been actively recruiting doctors and nurses discontent with working and living conditions at home to make up for their shortfalls in health workers.
To rectify the wrongs, the international community is taking steps to address the crisis and improve human resources in health. The UK Department for International Development and the French Development Agency will be supporting projects to develop the workforce in Mozambique and Togo respectively.
The Devex Early Intelligence Team found out that DFID's allocation is set at around US$30 million while the AFD budget falls between US$8-10 million. Both projects will support training and capacity building to the Ministries of Health of the two countries.
According to a study by the Center for Global Development, more than 40 percent of Togolese physicians have emigrated to developed countries. Devex News highlights the gravity of the crisis and found that the numbers for Mozambique are much worse, with only 514 physicians in 2004.
With adequate training, improving working conditions, investments in health systems, and further exploration of other policy options, donors hope that the retention of African doctors and nurses can be improved.
