Conexiant’s news site is now MDSpire News. Learn more
Advertisement
How is the global health workforce changing?
The global health workforce increased by 199% over 33 years, with women accounting for most of the growth, according to a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 published in The Lancet Public Health.
Clinical Report: How is the global health workforce changing?
Overview
The global health workforce has expanded significantly since 1990, with an estimated 122 million health workers active in 2023. Women represent a substantial majority of this workforce, particularly in nursing and midwifery roles, while notable gaps in workforce density persist, especially in low-income regions. This data is supported by the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2023.
Background
Understanding the dynamics of the global health workforce is crucial for addressing healthcare access and quality. The composition and distribution of health workers directly impact healthcare systems. This report highlights trends and disparities in health workforce density across different regions.
Data Highlights
Health Worker Cadre
Active Workers (2023)
Physicians
15 million
Nurses
33 million
Midwives
2 million
Community Health Workers
8 million
Key Findings
122 million health workers were active globally in 2023.
Nurses comprised 27% of the global health workforce.
Women represented 69% of health workers and accounted for 71% of workforce growth from 1990 to 2023.
There are estimated gaps of approximately 7 million physicians and 24 million nurses and midwives needed to meet UHC targets.
High-income countries have the highest health worker densities, while sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest.
Clinical Implications
The significant representation of women in the health workforce highlights the need for further research into gender equity in healthcare roles. Addressing the identified workforce gaps is essential for improving healthcare access.
Conclusion
The expansion of the global health workforce, particularly through the contributions of women, is a notable trend; however, substantial gaps remain that must be addressed.
More than 5,100 additional reports require further analysis as federal and state partners investigate several outbreaks and work to identify their sources.
