The Role of International Health Volunteers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Laleman Geert, Kegels Guy, Marchal Bruno, Van der Roost Dirk, Bogaert Isa, Van Damme Wim
Primary Institution: Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
Hypothesis
What is the contribution of international health volunteers to the health workforce in sub-Saharan Africa?
Conclusion
International health volunteers contribute relatively small numbers to the health workforce in sub-Saharan Africa, and it seems unlikely that they will do more in the future.
Supporting Evidence
- An estimated 2072 international health volunteers were employed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2005.
- Most international health volunteers spend less than two years in one particular setting.
- Country experts expressed more negative views about international health volunteers than positive ones.
Takeaway
International health volunteers help in Africa, but there aren't many of them, and they might not be the best solution for the health worker shortage.
Methodology
Rapid survey among organizations sending international health volunteers and group discussions with experienced medical officers from sub-Saharan African countries.
Potential Biases
Some organizations could not provide estimated numbers of full-time positions, leading to potential underestimation.
Limitations
Access to data was not easy, and the total number of international health volunteers reported is a mix of prevalence and incidence data.
Participant Demographics
The study involved health service managers and medical officers from sub-Saharan African countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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