African health ministers adopt 10-year plan to train 3 million health workers

During the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, health ministers adopted the Health Workforce Management Programme in Africa (2026–2035). The programme aims to transform health-sector labour markets by training, employing and retaining three million additional health workers. Africa's health workforce reached nearly 5.72 million professionals in 2024, but that is only about 46% of what is needed. Without action, the shortfall could exceed six million by 2035. The programme provides a roadmap for workforce planning, training, employment and retention. WHO highlights that closing the gap would require an additional $4 to $6 per person per year, with potential returns of up to $10 in economic benefits per dollar invested. The meeting runs through 28 August and also endorsed a regional strategy for child development.