Migration of nurses from sub-Saharan Africa: a review of issues and challenges.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of out-migration of nurses on the health systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).


METHODS
The countries of SSA.


METHODS
Review of secondary sources: existing publications and country documents on the health workforce; documents prepared for the Joint Learning Initiative Global Human Resources for Health report, the World Health Organization (AFRO) synthesis on migration, and the International Council of Nurses series on the global nursing situation. Analysis of associated data.


RESULTS
The state of nursing practice in SSA appears to have been impacted negatively by migration. Available (though inadequate) quantitative data on stocks and flows, qualitative information on migration issues and trends, and on the main strategies being employed in both source and recipient countries indicate that the problem is likely to grow over the next 5-10 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple actions are needed at various policy levels in both source and receiving countries to moderate negative effects of nurse emigration in developing countries in Africa; however, critically, source countries must establish more effective policies and strategies.
Dovlo
Delanyo
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Route Des Tattes D'Oie 32, Nyon, Switzerland.
D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000208:ethnology; D019049:Developed Countries; D003906:Developing Countries; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D014943:Global Health; D006291:Health Policy; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009726:Nurses / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000639:trends*; D006113:United Kingdom