As the world observes the 2025 International Nurses Day, the World Health Organization has revealed that 42 percent of nurses in Africa are considering emigration.
In a message commemorating the day, the Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, described this as an “alarming trend” that could further weaken the continent’s already fragile health systems.
This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Health Systems and Economies,” underscores the urgent need for greater support and investment in the nursing profession.
“Nurses are the backbone of our health systems. Yet nearly half are considering leaving, lured by better pay, safer working conditions, and clearer career paths in wealthier countries. This has serious implications for access to care and health equity,” Ihekweazu stated.
The warning comes as Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to face a deepening health workforce crisis. Thousands of Nigerian nurses and other healthcare professionals have left the country in recent years, seeking better job opportunities abroad.
In 2024, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) disclosed that more than 15,000 Nigerian nurses obtained verification to work overseas between 2021 and 2023.
Reports have highlighted how hospitals across Nigeria are struggling with acute staff shortages, resulting in longer patient wait times and a decline in the quality of care.
