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Global Health Workforce Labor Market Projections for 2030

Global Health Workforce Labor Market Projections for 2030

  • February 20, 2017
  • Jenny X. Liu, Yevgeniy Goryakin, Akiko Maeda, Tim Bruckner & Richard Scheffler
  • Article

In low- and middle-income countries, scaling essential health interventions is hindered by a lack of skilled health professionals. Using a labor market approach, this study projects future health workforce demand based on economic growth, demographics, and health coverage, comparing it with supply and WHO’s estimated needs. By 2030, global demand for health workers is expected to reach 80 million, while supply will be 65 million, resulting in a 15 million shortfall. Upper middle-income countries will see the highest demand growth, leading to significant shortages and global competition for skilled workers. Middle-income countries will also face shortages, while low-income countries will experience low growth in both demand and supply, insufficient for essential health services. This may lead to unemployed health workers in low-income countries despite acute needs. Opportunities exist to adjust the number and types of health workers to meet public health goals and growing demand.

  • Source: Human Resources for Health

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