Brain Drain Worsens in Poor Countries
According to an article published on the BBC today , the brain drain in Africa is happening faster than previously thought. A new study by the Center for Global Development in Washington says the loss of doctors and nurses follows political conflict and economic stagnation.
Several countries, like Angola and Mozambique, have more doctors working in a single foreign country than at home.
NUMBER OF DOCTORS ABROAD
Mozambique - 75%
Angola - 70%
Ghana - 56%
Kenya - 51%
Rwanda - 43%
Sudan - 13%
Niger - 9%
On the other hand, a selected number of more prosperous countries like Botswana managed to maintain their human capital.
The People 2 People network of Ethiopian doctors working abroad mediate this issue by setting up a virtual clinic to diagnose patients at home, while they work in the United States or Canada.
ActionAid is quoted saying the brain drain is a “huge threat” to Africa.
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Michael Clemens said,
January 14, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
I wrote the study in question and I think the BBC piece just got it wrong. This issue if far more complex than a simple relationship between physician movements and health impacts. I explain why here:
http://blogs.cgdev.org/globaldevelopment/2008/01/media_reports_on_african_brain_1.php