Some experts say this sudden turn of events underscores the health sector’s brain drain from Africa.
“It’s brain drain,” said Uilawa Okhuihesuyi, former president of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.
“They (Nkengsong and Ihekwezu) have seen better offers and feel it is better to leave greener pastures to advance their careers,” Okhuahesui told CNN. “Now is not the best time to go,” he said.
Medical brain drain persists
“If not managed well, the growing demand for healthcare workers, especially in specialties such as anesthesiology, will leave a considerable gap in Africa’s already vulnerable health systems,” the report said.
AU said many high-income countries are easing visa and immigration requirements for health workers to meet that demand.
“Without the right policies, tackling brain drain from Africa will become an even more challenging endeavor, inevitably increasing global inequality and neglecting already inadequate health systems.”
“Nothing to worry about”
Nkengasong’s impending exit from the Africa CDC has fueled concerns about the sustainability of the institute’s Covid-19 action plan.
However, Nkengsong told CNN there was nothing to worry about.
“The Africa CDC has a very strong leadership,” he said. “So, I’m not worried at all. The outfit is rock solid.”
On his part, Nigeria’s Ihekwezu told CNN that he created the NCDC to “defeat a single leader.”
“Over the last five years, we have built structures, systems and people at NCDC with a vision to outdo any one leader,” he said. “I am extremely proud of the work we have done and am confident that the 500 staff members leading this journey will keep it ahead of my time,” Ihekwezu said.
Responding to comments that his move to the WHO’s $100 million pandemic center worsens Africa’s medical brain drain, Ihekwezu argued: “I think my move to the WHO strengthens Africa’s position in the world ! “
According to the WHO, the hub, which is funded by the German government, was set up “to better prepare and protect the world from global disease threats” and “to detect and protect new events with pandemic potential”. to do”. Will play an important role in helping to monitor disease control measures on a real-time basis.”
Ihekweazu told CNN that beyond his work in Nigeria, he is “strongly committed to developing African countries as mere participants in the consumption of vaccines and other technologies for participants in basic science and research that will take them forward.” Will go.” Goes.”
He added: “I believe my new role at the WHO Epidemic Center provides an opportunity for Nigeria and the African region to contribute to this development process – working closely with other partners.”
Other benefits for Africa
Malawi’s health secretary, Charles Mwansambo, told CNN that the move of Nkengsong and Ihekwezu to “strategic positions” would be beneficial to Africa.
“We need to start looking at these movements positively because they are good for the continent. The more Africans are in strategic positions, the better served Africa,” he said, adding that Nkengasong’s new role at PEPFAR is Africa’s largest The role is one of. HIV will be important. / AIDS response.
“While Covid is here with us, there are other conditions like HIV that have been with us for some time. So, being an African [at PEPFAR] Will completely change the fight against HIV/AIDS on the continent… PEPFAR has some major impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa, especially Malawi which is a major beneficiary. This is the right move for the continent,” Mwansambo said.
Nkengasong will likely fill the leadership vacancy at PEPFAR, which has been without a leader for nearly two years.
Steve Ahuka, an event manager for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Covid-19 response, told CNN he expects the successors to Nkengsong and Ihekwezu will be as passionate as their predecessors in the fight against infectious diseases.
“Though we’d love to keep them [Nkengasong and Ihekweazu] During this time when the African continent is facing the covid-19 crisis, the fight against infectious diseases is done as a team… I hope that Nekengsong and Ihekwezu can build a strong team in Nigeria and Africa. CDC is, and his successors will continue to work to fight the Covid crisis,” said Ahuka.
Githinji Geetahi, a member of the Africa CDC’s governing board, told CNN that Nkengasong would be “difficult to change.”
“Nkengasong has built a stellar reputation for Africa CDC and has attracted partners and resources that have enabled it to achieve its mandate of disease surveillance and response coordination. He will be greatly missed,” he said.
Gitahi wants Africa CDC’s regional centers to be strengthened so that the power of the parent organization can be developed.
However, he added that it is important that Nekengsong and Ihekeweju are moving to institutions that “have a huge impact on the health of African people and their health security.”
“It’s not a brain drain, but African leaders turning to global leaders,” Ambyona Emmanuel, a spokeswoman for Ugandan’s health ministry, told CNN Nkengsong and Ihekwezu’s exit from the continent.
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