In the African region, efforts to improve health and well-being are bearing fruit. Healthy life expectancy has increased from 45 to 55 years.
Mortality among newborn children declined, and under-five deaths dropped by 53% between 2000 and 2020.
Progress is due in no small part to ongoing efforts of the region’s dedicated health care workers.
While the health workforce in the region tripled between 2013 and 2022, more than 70% of African countries face critical shortages.
The region needs between 5.3 and 6.1 million additional health workers by 2030.
A resolution was passed at the 2017 WHO Regional Committee for Africa to address health worker shortages and contribute to halving inequalities in access to a health worker.
WHO in Africa has been working with governments and partners to develop an African health workforce investment charter.
The charter will assist countries to secure the future of Africa’s health workforce and the health of its people.