From Crisis to Care: Strengthening Africa’s Health Workforce to Combat Cardiometabolic Diseases

Kigali, Rwanda – March 4, 2025 – Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and renal disease, are Africa’s significant public health crisis. As non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rise, fragile healthcare systems face mounting pressure. Without urgent intervention, CMDs could overwhelm health infrastructures, exacerbate inequities, and increase mortality rates.

At the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025, Amref Health Africa and the Novo Nordisk Foundation hosted a high-level session titled “From Crisis to Care: Strengthening Africa’s Health Workforce to Combat Cardiometabolic Diseases.” The discussion underscored the urgent need for investment in Africa’s healthcare workforce, particularly mid-level health workers, who are crucial to primary healthcare.

Africa faces a critical shortage of trained healthcare professionals, with the World Health Organization (WHO) projecting a shortfall of 6.1 million health workers by 2030, over half of the global workforce deficit. Many mid-level healthcare workers lack specialised CMD training, resulting in delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options. Strengthening this workforce is essential to improving CMD prevention, early detection, and management.

Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Amref Health Africa’s Group CEO, emphasised the need for targeted healthcare education, training, and retention investments. He highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships between governments, healthcare organisations, academic institutions, and the private sector to drive sustainable workforce development.

“Expanding community-based care models is critical for improving CMD management, especially in underserved areas. Community health workers (CHWs) are the linchpins of prevention, patient education, and follow-up care. Equipping them with specialised CMD training can enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes,” he explained.

To effectively address this crisis, integrating CMD education into medical and nursing curricula is essential to ensure healthcare workers acquire the necessary skills. Furthermore, enhancing workforce retention strategies by improving working conditions, offering career advancement opportunities, and providing incentives can help reduce the migration of skilled professionals. Additionally, embedding CMD management into primary healthcare systems and universal health coverage (UHC) is crucial to ensuring accessibility and sustainability.

Prof. Flemming Konradsen, Vice President of Global Health at Novo Nordisk Foundation, reiterated the crucial role of a diverse and skilled workforce in improving health systems and reducing inequities.

“The health workforce is the backbone of every health system and is essential for responding to evolving disease burdens. Investing in CMD workforce development is not just a healthcare intervention; it is a strategic imperative for the continent’s future,” he stated.

Against this backdrop, the Amref Health Africa Institute of Capacity Development (Amref ICD) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation are implementing the “Upscaling the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP) in Kenya and Expanding to East Africa” project. This initiative aims to equip over 5,000 health professionals with advanced skills, foster regional collaboration, and ensure equitable access to high-quality CMD services, particularly for underserved populations.

Prof. Flemming also emphasised the need for a multi-sectoral approach to CMD prevention. Addressing risk factors such as poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and limited healthcare access requires collaboration across urban planning, education, agriculture, and food systems. Embedding CMD prevention within broader social and economic policies can drive sustainable change. As Africa faces an escalating NCD crisis, strengthening the healthcare workforce must be a top priority. PEP urges governments, donors, and healthcare institutions to invest in CMD workforce development. By prioritising education, training, and retention, Africa can build a resilient healthcare workforce capable of managing the rising burden of CMDs and ensuring better health outcomes for all.

Media Contacts:

Edna Mosiara: Communications Officer, Amref Health Africa in Kenya

edna.mosiara@amref.org

Irene Alenga: Project Manager, Amref Institute of capacity Building (Amref ICD)

Irene.alenga@amref.org