WHO: Nursing staff gap narrows slightly

Geneva. The tense situation in the care sector will improve somewhat, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The global gap between demand and the number of skilled workers was 6.2 million in 2020, currently stands at around 5.8 million, and is expected to decrease to 4.1 million by 2030, the WHO announced on the occasion of International Nurses Day (May 12). The WHO report is based on data from 194 countries.

At first glance, the development is encouraging, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "However, we cannot ignore the inequalities that characterize the global care landscape."

For example, approximately 80 percent of nursing staff work in countries that account for only about 50 percent of the world's population. Compared internationally, the density of nursing staff is particularly high in wealthy countries.

Profession continues to be dominated by women

Poorer countries need to invest more in training and attractiveness of nursing jobs, the WHO report continues. At the same time, rich countries should prepare for the growing number of nursing professionals retiring due to age.

According to the WHO, women continue to be the only workers in the industry, accounting for 85 percent of the workforce. Globally, the age structure is not unfavorable. 33 percent of employees are under 35 years old.

One in five nurses is expected to retire from the workforce in the next ten years, according to the report.

Demand: Give priority to the well-being of nursing staff

The WHO criticized many countries for not paying enough attention to the mental health and well-being of their employees. Only 42 percent of the countries surveyed had measures in place to provide mental health support for nurses, despite increased workloads and traumatic experiences during and since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Changing this is essential to retain qualified professionals and ensure the quality of care," the report states. (dpa)