Publication: Reducing Geographical Imbalances of Health Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa : A Labor Market Perspective on What Works, What Does Not, and Why
Date
2011
ISSN
Published
2011
Author(s)
Abstract
This report discusses and analyzes labor
market dynamics and outcomes (including unemployment, worker
shortages, and urban-rural imbalances of categories of
health workers) from a labor economics perspective. It then
uses insights from this perspective as a basis for
elaborating policy options that incorporate the underlying
labor market forces. The goal of the study is to address
undesirable outcomes (including urban-rural HRH imbalances)
more effectively. The study draws on an extensive inventory
of policy options relevant to urban-rural labor force
imbalance in Sub-Saharan Africa and the experiences with
these imbalances to date. Given the limited documentation
available on this topic through formal channels, the review
relies heavily on 'gray literature' from
policymakers in Sub-Saharan Africa and their development
partners, especially the World Bank and the World Health
Organization (WHO). The report is divided into five main
sections. The first section focuses on economic policies
related to Human Resources for Health (HRH) objectives. It
argues that policymaking has ignored health labor market
dynamics. The second section provides data showing the
extent of urban-rural imbalances and describes how these
imbalances affect health system outcomes. The third section
uses a health labor market framework to explain these
imbalances. The fourth section outlines policy options
relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa for addressing market
distortions and affecting labor market outcomes. It also
reviews evidence on the policies, strategies, and programs
designed to address geographic imbalances in Sub-Saharan
Africa, highlighting what has been done, what has worked,
and what has not. The last section provides a roadmap for policymakers.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“Lemiere, Christophe; Herbst, Christopher H.; Jahanshahi, Negda; Smith, Ellen; Soucat, Agnes. 2011. Reducing Geographical Imbalances of
Health Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa : A Labor Market
Perspective on What Works, What Does Not, and Why. World Bank Working Paper ; No. 209. Africa
Human Development Series. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/5919 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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