Team Blitz India
THE African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and King’s College London have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA), marking the commencement of a comprehensive scoping study, to ascertain the viability of establishing a cutting-edge medical and nursing school in Abuja, Nigeria.
The signing ceremony unfolded at the Strand Campus of King’s College London on November 24, symbolising a significant milestone in the quest to foster high-calibre medical professionals for the continent. The collaboration leverages King’s College London’s renowned prowess in healthcare education and training to formulate a model for implementation across the African continent.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) health workforce report for 2023 underscores the dire shortage of healthcare professionals in 55 countries, with a staggering 40 of them situated in Africa. These nations grapple with a scarcity of health workers, falling below the median of 49 health workers per 10,000 people.
Approximately 80 per cent of Africa faces shortages of medical staff, exacerbated by the emigration of healthcare professionals seeking opportunities abroad. The establishment of this new medical and nursing centre would be a proactive response to address this critical issue. Through the provision of world-class facilities and medical education, these schools aspire to alleviate the scarcity of healthcare professionals, presenting a sustainable solution to elevate healthcare standards across the continent and diminish reliance on external sources and medical tourism.
