Africa Health Workforce Platform & Observatory Presentation to the 1st conference of the Asia-Pacific Action Alliance on HRH (AAAH): October 2006 Peter Ngatia & Jennifer Nyoni

Africa

Africa context Critical shortage of the health workforce Weak capacity at various levels Poor statistics at all levels Few evidence-based knowledge available and used on policy decisions

Africa context-process The concepts of African HW platform and Observatory were endorsed at the July 2005 stakeholder consultation The activities contribute to the health workforce agenda for Africa Interim steering committee of 15 (country and institutional membership to elaborate the platform WHO was requested to facilitate establishment of observatory

Proposed strategic focus of the African Platform Advocacy for common African position on key HW issues High level policy dialogue Resource mobilisation

Proposed priority focus areas of the Platform Workforce performance improvement Focus on the mid level and community based health workforce. Improving the workforce density by strengthening the capacity of training institutions for pre-service training

Next steps for the platform Planned steering committee meeting in January 2007 Finalise the work plan Hold a forum to launch the platform in 2007

Africa Health Workforce Observatory It is a cooperative initiative and partnership (Public sector, NGO/ CSOs, Academy, Professional Associations, international & subregional organizations, development partners) to improve human resources development through promoting and facilitating evidence-based policy-making.

Africa Health Workforce Observatory: general objectives to develop national capacity for evaluation and monitoring of HRH situation and trends to provide information and evidence for the formulation of HRH development policies, strategies and plans to provide a forum for partnership, sharing of experience and advocacy in HRH development to facilitate the use of HRH data for informed decision-making at all levels of the health system;

Overview of Africa Health Workforce Observatory ANALYSIS NEGOTIATION HRH STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS National Groups Inter-institutional Inter-sectoral Core information Comparative studies Case studies Intercountry cooperation Evidence for decision making HRH Polices, Planning, Education, Regulation, Management

Functions of the Africa Health Workforce Observatory Country monitoring and information Research and analysis Sharing and dissemination Promote national and intercountry networking Capacity building for HRH

Components of Africa Health Workforce Observatory Regional Secretariat Support to national observatories; development of common guidelines and tools; intercountry studies Sharing and dissemination resource mobilization and fund-raising efforts. National Observatories Monitor HRH trends research/studies share information engage in policy dialogue contribute to capacity building. Steering/Board Function ( Africa Platform? Partners) National Observatories Monitor HRH trends research/studies share information engage in policy dialogue contribute to capacity building.

National Health Workforce Observatories (2) A network of all resources and stakeholders in health workforce development in the country The network may involve such as Government (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, Public Service Commission, National Statistics Office, etc), academia, professional associations, NGOs, civil society consumer/client groups development partners

Critical success factors to make health workforce observatories at country level Having champions in the country Advocacy and political commitment Identifying stakeholders An attraction to work together Having a good understanding of situation Move from ad-hoc commissions to more sustainable mechanisms (Mandate and legitimacy) Coordination mechanisms and focal point/secretariat Funding opportunities Having something to work out together Source: Meeting of Africa Health Workforce Observatory: Group Discussions on Tuesday, 26 September 2006

Some key start-up activities Carry out stakeholder analysis and establish networks of contacts and partners Conduct country assessments and develop HRH country profiles Collate and share existing studies/results in the country Conduct research into HRH issues- national and intercountry Promoting a national health workforce agenda Establishing forums for information sharing, i.e. web site, regular meetings, etc

Update on progress: Organizational developments A focal point in AFRO to facilitate mobilization of the Observatory &3 staff being recruited for Observatory A Working Group has been formed –to elaborate the functions and organizational aspects –To promote and facilitate partnership –To initiate and guide the technical work Concept papers for regional and national Observatory have been elaborate Some funding mobilised through the GHWA Ethiopia national Observatory was launched on WHD

Update on progress (2) Technical developments Health Workforce data collection and database A Report on Regional overview of Health Workforce based on 2003 and 2005 surveys is in progress Guidelines on policy and plan developed 2 intercountry study protocols are being worked out. A draft template for country health workforce profiles is prepared Observatory website is about to be launched

Update on progress (2) Technical developments Health Workforce data collection and database A Report on Regional overview of Health Workforce based on 2003 and 2005 surveys is in progress 2 intercountry study protocols are being worked out. A draft template for country health workforce profiles is prepared Observatory website is about to be launched Two sub regional meetings on the Africa Health Workforce Observatory to prepare for the launch held (14 countries in each case)-third sub regional planned

Moving forward………….. Building up on ongoing efforts of HRH development Engaging stakeholders at all levels Networking at regional and national levels Starting up national networks as requested Advocacy for the concept and resources

The end Thank you very much for your attention!