Why are Zimbabwe’s health workers leaving the country?

“If people die in hospitals because there are no nurses and doctors and somebody who has been so irresponsible for not training their own nationals, but wanting poor countries to train for them, it’s a crime that must be taken seriously” Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga wants to make it a criminal offense for recruitment agencies to poach health workers from Zimbabwe. He says his country should not be subjected to training doctors and nurses for the benefit of other nations. However, his proposed legislation has been met with anger and frustration, with health professionals describing it as “unconstitutional”. Since 2021, about 4 000 nurses have left Zimbabwe and are scattered around the world. This is the first of three podcasts looking at challenges facing health workers across Africa and how governments are responding to the brain drain. Guests: Douglas Chikobvu and Dr. Norman Matara Presenter: @mpholakaje