Japan's Health Sector on the Brink: Unions Sound the Alarm (International Edition)

Medical professionals have cautioned that the ongoing exodus of nurses from Nigeria is worsening the nation’s health crisis, resulting in longer wait times, greater illness severity, and more fatalities.

Their worries come after a statement was released by Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, who serves as the acting World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, in honor of the 2025 International Nurses Day.

Ihekweazu pointed out that 42 percent of African nurses have indicated their desire to leave their home countries.

This year's Nurses Day, celebrated on May 12, was themed "Our Nurses. Our Future. Strengthening Care for Nurses Enhances Health Systems and Economies."

The most recent report from the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council indicates that at least 14,815 nurses and midwives trained in Nigeria have obtained licenses to practice in the United Kingdom between 2017 and September 2024.

By March 31, 2024, there were 13,656 Nigerian nurses and midwives employed in the UK. This figure increased by 1,159 within half a year.

Currently, Nigeria holds the third position as a supplier of nursing staff to Britain after India (with 67,576 nurses) and the Philippines (having 50,180 nurses).

Ihekweazu cautioned that nurses account for almost 70 percent of the health workforce in Africa, serving as the backbone of healthcare systems.

Even though the number of nurses has doubled from 900,000 in 2018 to 1.7 million in 2023, the region remains below global benchmarks, with nurse-to-population ratios exceeding tenfold compared to those in high-income nations.

Nurses represent 66 percent of Africa's anticipated deficit of 6.1 million healthcare professionals by 2030," he stated. "This scarcity impacts access to essential services ranging from maternal and pediatric care to management of chronic diseases, hindering advancements towards comprehensive health coverage.

He mentioned that almost fifty percent of Africa’s nursing staff is below 35 years old; however, numerous individuals do not have access to proper mentoring or clear professional development routes.

In the meantime, wealthy nations keep attracting nurses away from Africa, as employees born abroad account for one-fourth of their staffing.

"Restricted budgets exacerbate the issue. On average, African nations experience a 43 percent deficit in funding for healthcare staffing, which leaves almost one out of every three health workers—primarily nurses and midwives—unemployed or inadequately employed," he stated.

In response, Toba Odumosu, the Secretary General of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos Council, stated that the significant exodus—which is widely referred to as "japa"—is severely impacting the healthcare industry.

We are currently facing a healthcare emergency," he stated. "The departure of seasoned nurses, many with 12-15 years of dedication, creates an emptiness that cannot be readily addressed." He continued, "And even when substitutes are identified, the wealth of knowledge and skill they leave behind remains unmatched.

Odumosu mentioned that the absence of structure, uncertain career paths, and economic volatility are driving nurses to look for better chances overseas. He emphasized that urgent governmental funding is necessary.

At minimum, Nigeria ought to achieve the 15 percent healthcare budget commitment outlined in the Abuja Declaration," he stated. "Additionally, we need to enhance working conditions for nurses by providing them with access to loans, mortgages, and opportunities for career advancement.

The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Tope Osundara, also warned that the emigration trend will lead to longer waiting times, delayed surgeries, and worse patient outcomes—particularly in critical cases such as cancer where post-operative nursing care is essential.

"Nurses form the foundation of healthcare delivery, particularly in critical departments such as neonatal wards. Physicians alone can't cover all these responsibilities," he stated, urging the administration to implement attractive benefits to keep skilled nurses.

In a similar vein, Martin Egbanubi, the National Secretary of the Joint Health Sector Unions, stated that the large-scale emigration is exacerbating Nigeria’s severe deficiency of healthcare workers.

"This significantly affects the standard and availability of healthcare, especially within public hospitals designed for the general populace. Should this pattern persist, it could further depress Nigeria’s already low human development index," he stated.

He encouraged African governments to address this matter urgently before it places an even heavier burden on the continent’s vulnerable healthcare systems.

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