Staff Writer
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim and UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Ayodele Odusola says as Zimbabwe advances with devolution and decentralization, it is vital to align laws, policies and regulations to empower provincial and local governments in workforce management.
Speaking at the launch of Health Workforce Strategy and Health Workforce Investment Compact, Dr Odusola said health financing was key, particularly regarding fair wages for healthcare personnel and ensuring the availability of medicines, equipment, and other resources.
Dr Ayodele Odusola, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim and UNDP Resident Representative
“Without adequate resources, holding workers accountable becomes challenging. Beyond infrastructure and equipment, the health workforce is a critical component of any health system, profoundly impacting overall sector performance.
“Zimbabwe’s Health Workforce Strategy resonates with global best practices, such as those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3, which promotes well-being for all.
“As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, states, ‘A strong health workforce is the backbone of a healthy population.’
“Hence, the proposed strategy should emphasize a balanced workforce structure, innovative education and training, and equitable distribution of healthcare workers across urban and rural areas,” Dr Odusola said.
“For effective implementation, there is need to focus on policy alignment, sufficient health financing, and decent working conditions, integrating a robust incentive framework. Together, we can pursue and deliver universal health coverage through marshalling our resources and strategies to secure the future of the health sector.”
Over the last decade, the UN has made significant strides in the health sector, supporting governments and stakeholders to implement strategic health initiatives.
In 2017, the 67th African Regional Committee approved the African Regional Framework, guided by the Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030.
As a result, Africa’s health workforce has grown significantly, increasing from 150,000 graduates in 2018 to over 255,000 in 2022 — a remarkable 70% growth reflecting our shared progress.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Africa faces a projected shortage of 6.1 million health workers by 2030. Addressing this challenge requires a transformative approach, including a 43% increase in funding for health workforce employment.
There exists a paradox of unemployment and underemployment due to less-than-ideal working conditions and industrial unrest.
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