Human Resources for health: A Needs and Gaps Analysis of Human Resources for Health in South Africa
Overview:
A review of South Africa’s human resources for health (HRH) is being undertaken to determine the current and future HRH capacities, needs, and gaps and the extent to which these will enable or hinder the achievement of the targets of the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS and STIs 2007-2011. The review examines current shortages, the maldistribution of HRH, the production and growth of health professional categories, factors related to the attrition of HRH, policies and responses proposed and/or implemented to overcome HRH crisis, and particular areas with HRH needs essential for achieving HIV prevention targets.
Objectives:
To focus on the following:
- The shortage of HRH in South Africa
- The unequal distribution of HRH between provinces and between the public and private health sectors
- The training and growth rate of HRH in South Africa
- Factors related to the attrition of HRH including migration and HIV and AIDS
- Areas with HRH needs and gaps essential for achieving HIV prevention targets.
Methodological Approach:
This review is primarily a desk-review, utilising information from research studies and government documents to determine South Africa’s HRH capacities, needs and goals to achieve the targets of the NSP 2007-2011. In some instances, where sufficient data is available, relevant calculations are made to estimate projected needs and gaps for HRH in South Africa.