Human resources in the health sector of Portuguese-speaking African Countries: identical problems, cross-sectional solutions?

Abstract

This paper presents a situational analysis of the human resources in the health sector (HRH) of the five African countries where Portuguese is the official language, focusing on the quantitative aspects of the work force. The figures analyzed are: occupational and demographic composition, and distribution by level of care and by geographic zone. The paper discusses the constitution of HRH, relevant policies, and related expenditures. The methodology consisted in identifying relevant documentation about the subject. A form was used to collect data. The available data were consolidated into one single unit, so as to make comparisons possible. Each country revised and commented the data. Results showed that systems containing information on HRH were scarce, and the ratio of health professionals per inhabitant was low; HRH were distributed in a highly asymmetrical manner; the capacity to produce HRH was low and dependant on external assistance. HRH management was defective, centralized, and complied with the rules of public administration, which restricted its flexibility. The conclusion is that the problems are common and likely to be dealt with jointly through four major approaches: developing information systems, exchanging experiences that improve the performance of HRH, developing management capabilities, and strengthening the capacity to mobilize financial resources.