The U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) established the 11-member GHWA task force in May 2006 to tackle the global shortage of healthcare workers.
This task force includes two health ministers in African governments and many senior health administrators and policymakers.
It is estimated that there is a shortage of 4.3 million professionals (doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers) needed to meet the global needs, particularly in developing countries.
The WHO released a statement made by Director-General Margaret Chan, who said "the simple fact is that the world needs many more health workers... Infectious diseases have staged a dramatic comeback, and chronic diseases are on the rise. We cannot improve people's health without staff to deliver health care."
The critical shortage of healthcare workers has been identified in 57 countries, with a shortage of 1 million in Africa alone.
Initial recommendations of the GHWA task force are planned for a later date in autumn of 2007.
The task force also aims to bring together UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations, academics, professional associations, and other sources to seek solutions to the crises.
The plans include investments in the education and training of healthcare workers in the developing countries through international support to combat the shortages. This may include technological links to distance learning through various universities and training institutions.
