Global healthcare workforce faces 34.4 million person shortage

A study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), published in The Lancet Public Health, reveals that the world requires an additional 34.4 million healthcare professionals to achieve moderate universal health coverage. This deficit includes a need for 23.9 million nurses and midwives, 7.1 million doctors, 1.8 million dentists, and 1.6 million pharmacists.

While the global health workforce nearly tripled between 1990 and 2023—growing from 40.9 million to 122.1 million—experts warn of a severe shortage. Regional disparities are significant: South Asia requires 10 million more nurses and midwives and 2.6 million doctors, while Sub-Saharan Africa faces a critical density gap, with only 14.5 nurses per 10,000 inhabitants compared to 121.8 in high-income countries.

The report also highlights gender disparities within the sector. As of 2023, women comprised 68.9% of the global health workforce and 71.4% of its growth, yet they remain concentrated in lower-paying roles with fewer opportunities for leadership.