WHO/Europe releases new report with data on nursing shortages in Ukraine

A new WHO/Europe report analysing the health labour market in Ukraine has revealed significant challenges facing the country's health and care workforce, particularly in nursing. Compiled with financial support from the European Union (EU), it highlights critical shortages in primary health care (PHC) and key specialties, with the nursing workforce under severe strain.

The findings paint a sobering picture of a sector grappling with the compounded effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflict and migration pressures. Geographic disparities exacerbate the issue, with underserved rural regions bearing the brunt of the challenges.

At a launch event in Kyiv, Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, WHO/Europe's Director of Country Health Policies and Systems, presented the findings to an audience of educators, health-care professionals and policy-makers. Discussions centred on addressing nursing shortages, strengthening education, and improving recruitment and retention strategies.

"Health systems cannot function without health workers," Dr Azzopardi-Muscat said. "This report provides an essential evidence base to guide Ukraine in investing in its nursing workforce - a cornerstone of resilient and sustainable health systems. Tackling these challenges is critical not only for the recovery of Ukraine's health system but also for achieving universal health coverage."

The report, titled "Results of initial health labour market analysis in Ukraine", emphasizes the need for targeted policies to address workforce imbalances, including better incentives for rural recruitment, improved working conditions and strategic workforce planning. WHO has supported Ukraine by developing a workforce planning tool to project health workforce needs over the next 5-10 years, incorporating trends such as urban migration and population changes.

Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the urgency of action: "This report underscores that strengthening the nursing profession is not just a health-care issue; it is a national priority. Nurses play a pivotal role in delivering care and fostering trust in the system, particularly in times of crisis. With strong partnerships and decisive action, Ukraine can build a more equitable and resilient health system."

The report highlights that PHC is the foundation of a resilient and effective health system, and will play a crucial role in Ukraine's recovery and transformation processes. The Ministry of Health's commitment to a PHC-oriented approach is essential to addressing current challenges and aligning Ukraine's health-care system with EU standards.

The ageing health-care workforce is a pressing issue that impacts the sustainability of human capital in health care. The report reveals that over 50% of PHC doctors in the country are over the age of 50, and 29% are over 60, with a quarter eligible for retirement.

This demographic shift exacerbates workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas, where differences are significant: only 17% of PHC doctors and 7% of all nurses serve the 30% of the population residing in these regions. The density of PHC doctors in rural regions is half that of urban areas, highlighting the urgent need for equitable distribution of health-care professionals.

The publication suggests that addressing these challenges requires reforming educational curricula to align with EU standards to ensure quality, relevance and adaptability to modern health-care demands. Updating nursing and medical training programmes will help to equip a new generation of health-care professionals with the skills and competencies needed to meet the challenges of an ageing population and enhance PHC services.

The report outlines that by prioritizing PHC, Ukraine can build a robust and equitable health system that meets the needs of all citizens, aligns with EU standards and fosters resilience in the face of future challenges.

The launch event provided a platform for stakeholders to explore practical solutions, including enhancing nurses' roles in delivering services, fostering leadership and creating supportive workplace environments. Participants outlined an action plan aimed at addressing critical workforce gaps, focusing on motivation, education and career pathways for nurses.

This initiative represents a significant step in uniting Ukraine's health-care and educational sectors to address workforce challenges and secure the future of its health system.