What's happened
The 2025 State of the World’s Nursing Report highlights a projected global shortage of 4.1 million nurses by 2030, with significant disparities in nurse distribution. As International Nurses Day is observed, the WHO warns that 42% of African nurses intend to emigrate, exacerbating existing health system challenges.
What's behind the headline?
Key Issues in Nursing Workforce
- Global Shortage: The report indicates a looming shortage of 4.1 million nurses by 2030, primarily affecting Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Emigration Intentions: 42% of nurses in Africa express intentions to emigrate, driven by better opportunities abroad, which threatens local healthcare systems.
- Disparity in Distribution: 78% of nurses serve only 49% of the global population, highlighting inequities in healthcare access.
- Policy Recommendations: The report suggests expanding recruitment, improving working conditions, and integrating nursing leaders into health decision-making.
- Economic Impact: Investing in nursing is not only crucial for health systems but also stimulates economic growth and enhances women's participation in the workforce.
What the papers say
According to Gulf News, the State of the World’s Nursing Report 2025 reveals a projected global shortage of 4.1 million nurses by 2030, with 70% of this shortage concentrated in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. The report emphasizes the need for policymakers to expand nursing recruitment and improve working conditions. In contrast, All Africa highlights the alarming trend of 42% of African nurses intending to emigrate, which could further strain already fragile health systems. The WHO's Acting Regional Director for Africa, Chikwe Ihekweazu, stresses that this trend could limit access to essential services and slow progress towards universal health coverage. The Scotsman underscores the importance of recognizing nurses' contributions to both healthcare and economic stability, aligning with the theme of this year's International Nurses Day, 'Our Nurses. Our Future.'
How we got here
The nursing profession is facing critical challenges, including workforce shortages and disparities in nurse distribution. The WHO's recent report coincides with International Nurses Day, emphasizing the need for investment in nursing to strengthen health systems and economies.
Go deeper
- What are the main recommendations from the WHO report?
- How does the nursing shortage impact healthcare access?
- What steps are countries taking to address these issues?
Common question
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What is Causing the Nursing Crisis: Pay, Staffing, and Global Migration?
The nursing profession is currently facing a significant crisis, driven by inadequate pay, unsafe staffing levels, and a wave of global migration. As nurses voice their concerns and consider actions in response to these challenges, understanding the underlying issues becomes crucial. Below are some common questions regarding the current state of nursing and the factors contributing to this crisis.
More on these topics
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment