Abstract
The nursing workforce is the backbone of Africa’s healthcare system, yet the continent faces a critical shortage of nurses. This shortage is exacerbated by high attrition rates, inadequate training and working conditions, migration of skilled professionals, and insufficient investment in workforce development. Without urgent intervention, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being) will remain a challenge, particularly in ensuring universal health coverage (UHC) and improving maternal and child health outcomes. This side event at ARFSD-11 provides a platform to discuss sustainable strategies for nursing retention and workforce development. It aligns with the forum’s broader objectives by addressing key policies, financing mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives needed to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems.
Notes
Sigma has a seat at the table when it comes to global health issues and concerns. We are actively involved in the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), International Council of Nurses (ICN), and more.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted special consultative status to Sigma based on our expertise in the field of nursing and global health.
Sigma's voice is well-represented at UN events by volunteer Sigma members, who are either liaisons our youth representatives.
Sigma Membership
Alpha Eta, Alpha Zeta
Type
Presentation - Webinar
Format Type
Text-based Document, Video Recording
Study Design/Type
Expert Opinion (nationally/internationally recognized)
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Nursing Workforce, Africa, Sustainable Development
Recommended Citation
Tolarba, Jasper Erwin and Ouner, Jerry John, "Addressing the Nursing Shortage in Africa: Strategies for Retention and Workforce Sustainability" (2025). Sigma Global Initiatives. 9.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/global_initiatives/9
Publisher
Sigma Theta Tau International
Version
Publisher's Version
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Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
None: Reputation-based Submission
Acquisition
Publisher-submission
Full Text of Presentation
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