The report cites Tanzania as an example. This southern African country
produces 640 doctors, nurses and midwives each year. But to reach the
World Health Organisation's recommended staffing levels within 10 years it
would need to produce 3,500 such health workers each year.
Another example is Malawi where only nine percent of health facilities
have adequate staff to provide basic health care. The country loses around
100 nurses each year ‘‘who emigrate in search of a better wage'',
according to the Oxfam report.
Charo told IPS that Kenyan health workers are not only moving overseas but
are also seeking opportunities in the private sector for better pay. ‘‘If
you work for government, you get 12,000 Kenya shillings (about 172 US
dollars) but in the NGO or private sector you earn 40,000 shillings
(nearly 572 US dollars) a month. People are tempted to move on.''
(END/2007)