WHO Launches 10-Year Strategy to Strengthen Africa’s Health Workforce
Otamere Gladness 
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa has unveiled a new 10-year strategy aimed at addressing the continent’s shortage of health professionals and strengthening healthcare systems through improved workforce planning, education and retention.
The Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035 was presented on Wednesday during the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, where health ministers and experts are considering policies to improve healthcare delivery across the continent.
Presenting the strategy, WHO Director for Health Systems and Services in the African Region, Dr. Adelheid Onyango, described the initiative as a roadmap for building resilient health systems capable of meeting Africa’s growing healthcare needs.
“The agenda charts a path to transform health systems through stronger investment, quality education and equitable access to competent health workers,” Onyango said.
According to WHO, the strategy focuses on helping African countries better assess their workforce needs, expand quality training opportunities and improve retention by creating conditions that encourage health professionals to remain and work within the continent.
The initiative forms part of broader discussions at the regional committee meeting, where African leaders are reviewing measures to improve health financing, emergency preparedness and access to quality healthcare.
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