In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Chrys Kaniki, a Senior Technical Officer for Strategy and Policy, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, sheds light on the disparities in healthcare workforce distribution on the African continent and the pressing challenge of brain drain.

PT: Can you provide an overview of the current state of healthcare professionals in Africa, with a focus on the youth demographic?

Kaniki: Recent studies conducted in the African continent have revealed a significant disparity in the healthcare workforce across the continent. This gap encompasses both the population of individuals residing on the continent and the availability of healthcare professionals. While certain countries boast of many health workers, they tend to be concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved. In such regions, a single doctor or nurse often caters to the needs of thousands.

Efforts must be made to optimise the utilisation of our human resources across the continent. Despite the millions of healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwives, lab specialists, and epidemiologists, trained by universities annually, the existing gap remains a pressing concern.

Moreover, it is important to recognise the potential presented by young health workers. By harnessing this opportunity, we can provide training to a greater number of young individuals who can contribute to developing public health initiatives in Africa.

PT: In your view, what are the primary reasons behind the brain drain of young healthcare professionals from African countries?

Kaniki: One of the primary factors to consider is the remuneration of young healthcare professionals across the African continent. This is a matter of utmost priority that necessitates immediate attention and resolution. Regrettably, many healthcare workers are inadequately compensated or not compensated at all within the majority of our member states.

Understandably, this predicament serves as a compelling incentive for them to seek better livelihoods elsewhere. It is crucial to acknowledge that these individuals are young leaders and parents, with financial obligations such as bills to settle, children to educate, and educational expenses to cover, amongst others. Given the absence of sufficient remuneration to sustain a harmonious work-life balance, it is only natural for them to explore alternative opportunities. Consequently, it would be unjust to blame them for their choices.

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