Global health sector needs 34.4 million more professionals for universal coverage

The global healthcare sector faces a substantial deficit, requiring an additional 34.4 million professionals to achieve moderate universal health coverage, a new study reveals. Despite the global health workforce nearly tripling from 40.9 million to 122.1 million workers between 1990 and 2023, experts warn of a "severe shortage."

The study, published in The Lancet Public Health and conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), estimates that specific needs include 23.9 million more nurses and midwives, 7.1 million more doctors, 1.8 million dentists, and 1.6 million pharmacists. These figures are crucial for ensuring people can access essential health services without financial hardship.

Geographically, South Asia is identified as the region with the most pressing needs, requiring 10 million additional nurses and midwives and 2.6 million doctors. Sub-Saharan Africa also faces a "severe shortage," with a stark contrast in nurse density compared to high-income countries – 14.5 per 10,000 inhabitants versus 121.8.

The research also sheds light on gender inequality within the healthcare workforce. In 2023, women constituted 68.9% of all health personnel and drove 71.4% of its growth. However, they are concentrated in professions that typically offer lower salaries and fewer leadership prospects. While women comprise over 80% of nurses, midwives, and community health workers, they represent less than half of all doctors.