As the world commemorates the 2025 International Nurses Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarm over a looming health workforce crisis in Africa, revealing that 42 per cent of nurses on the continent intend to emigrate.
This stark revelation was made in a statement by the Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, who described the trend as “alarming” and warned it could further destabilise Africa’s already fragile healthcare systems.
“The reality is that nurses are the backbone of our health systems,” Dr. Ihekweazu said. “Yet nearly half are seeking opportunities abroad, driven by better pay, safer environments, and clearer career paths in wealthier nations. This trend has far-reaching implications for access to care and health equity.”
The announcement comes at a critical time for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, which has witnessed a steady exodus of nurses. According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), over 15,000 nurses received verification to work abroad between 2021 and 2023.
The 2025 State of the World’s Nursing Report, cited by WHO, reveals that while the global nursing workforce has grown to 29.8 million, nearly 80 per cent of nurses serve just 49 per cent of the global population. In Africa, nurses make up almost 70 per cent of the health workforce, yet the region suffers from one of the lowest nurse-to-population ratios—only 14.1 per 100,000 people.
Despite progress, such as the increase in Africa’s nursing workforce from 900,000 in 2018 to 1.7 million in 2023, the report warns that nurses account for 66 per cent of the region’s projected health workforce shortfall of 6.1 million by 2030.
Dr. Ihekweazu also highlighted the challenges facing young nurses, noting that 43 per cent are under 35, yet many lack mentorship and advancement opportunities. He pointed to aggressive recruitment by high-income countries where, in some cases, foreign-born nurses make up nearly a quarter of the workforce.
Adding to the concern is the gender disparity in the profession: 85 per cent of nurses are women, yet they face a 7 per cent pay gap and limited access to leadership roles.
The WHO is calling on African governments to act decisively by expanding education, strengthening regulation, creating advanced practice roles, improving pay and mental health support, and investing in leadership development.
Some nations are already responding. Zimbabwe, for instance, is set to mobilise $166 million annually over three years as part of a national compact to strengthen its health workforce under the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter adopted in 2024.
International Nurses Day, observed globally on 12 May each year, honours the vital role of nurses in society. The date commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This year’s theme — “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Health Systems and Economies” — echoes the urgent call to invest in those who care for the world.
