Health Worker Migration

The international migration of health workers is increasing and becoming more complex. In Global North countries, this is leading to an over-reliance on foreign-trained health workers, and in Global South countries, this is increasing concerns about “brain drain.” Given demographic realities and skill shortages, this rise is likely to continue. So how should health worker migration be managed in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and contributes to health workforce development and health systems strengthening in the Global South?

CGD collaborates closely with the World Bank, World Health Organization, OECD, Global Health Partnerships, and other stakeholders to understand the impact of health worker migration and to design new models to ensure it contributes to economic development everywhere.