Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110477

A. Edward Elmendorf, MA, MPH, Johns Hopkins University/ World Bank, 1901 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Apt. 61, Washington, DC 20009, 202-473-5570, aelmendorf@worldbank.org, Cesar Palacios, MD, MPH, Center for International Health, George Washington University, 2512 Jennings Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902, Silver Spring, MD 20902, and Kathryn LaRusso, BSc, Georgetown University, c/o Elmendorf, 1901 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Apt 61, Washington, DC 20009.

Human resources for health (HRH) are increasingly recognized as the most fundamental requirement for reversal of the downward spiral of health outcomes and conditions in Africa. The recent Joint Learning Initiative sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation and other partners has called for a major increase in international support for HRH. Against that background, this paper presents the results of an analysis of the engagement of the World Bank in HRH in Africa and perspectives for the future. Within the context of recently adopted strategic options for the involvement of the Bank in the struggle for better health outcomes in Africa, the paper addresses health investment operations, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers prepared by African countries and supported by the World Bank, HRH and structural adjustment loans, and HRH and poverty reduction support credits. Overall, the study finds that, in health investment operations, support of HRH has been very frequent, but that the activities supported have tended to focus narrowly on project-specific training, with little attention to HRH policies and practices. Looking at the various headings under which the Bank engages with African countries beyond specific investments for which health sector leaders are responsible, the paper examines experience and possibilities for engagement of the World Bank on HRH in the context of its macroeconomic dialogue and instruments. The paper finds missed opportunities, and sets out proposals for future action by the Bank, its African country clients and its partners in the larger international community.

Learning Objectives: