‘Support nurses or risk collapse of health systems’ –WHO warns African countries
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarms over a growing crisis threatening Africa’s healthcare systems, citing underfunding and a rising exodus of nurses as critical issues.
In a statement marking International Nurses Day 2025, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, called for urgent and sustained investment in nursing education, working conditions, and leadership opportunities to halt the decline and safeguard the future of healthcare across the continent.
Despite nearly doubling the number of nurses in Africa from 900,000 in 2018 to 1.7 million by 2023, Ihekweazu said the region still lags behind global benchmarks. The nurse-to-population ratio in Africa remains among the world’s lowest, with only 14.1 nurses per 100,000 people—more than ten times lower than in high-income countries.
He revealed that nurses represent 66% of Africa’s projected shortfall of 6.1 million health workers by 2030, which severely limits access to basic health services and hampers progress toward universal health coverage.
Equally alarming, Ihekweazu noted that 42% of nurses in the region have expressed intentions to emigrate, largely due to poor working conditions, limited career opportunities, and aggressive recruitment by wealthier countries, where foreign-born nurses make up nearly a quarter of the workforce.
“While 43% of our nursing workforce is under 35, many lack access to mentorship or career pathways,” he said, stressing the need for structural reforms. “On average, African nations face a 43% shortfall in health workforce funding.”
He praised the dedication of nurses, who make up nearly 70% of Africa’s health workforce and play pivotal roles as caregivers, educators, and frontline responders. He emphasized that the 2025 theme—“Our Nurses. Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens Health Systems and Economies”—must translate into action.
Despite the challenges, Ihekweazu pointed to encouraging signs, including the endorsement of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter in 2024. He cited Zimbabwe’s initiative to raise $166 million annually as an example of national efforts to address the crisis.
He urged African leaders and global partners to go beyond symbolic recognition and take real, measurable steps to train, protect, and empower nurses across the continent.
