PHA-Exch> EQUINET Discussion Paper 65: Retention incentives for health workers in Zimbabwe

[Rene Loewenson]

EQUINET Discussion Paper 65: Retention incentives for health workers in
Zimbabwe,
MJ Chimbari, D Madhina, F Nyamangara, H Mtandwa, and V Damba; National
University of Science and Technology
Cite as: Chimbari MJ, Madhina D, Nyamangara F, Mtandwa H, Damba V and
National University of Science and Technology (2008) 'Retention incentives
for health workers in Zimbabwe,' EQUINET Discussion Paper Series 65. EQUINET
in co-operation with the East, Central and Southern African Health Community
(ECSA-HC), the University of Namibia, University of Limpopo: Harare.

Available online at:
http://www.equinetafrica.org/bibl/docs/DIS65HRchimbari.pdf 

This paper investigates the impact of the framework and strategies to retain
critical health professionals (CHPs) that the Zimbabwean government has put
in place, particularly regarding non-financial incentives, in the face of
continuing high out-migration. The study investigated and reports on the
causes of migration of health professionals; the strategies used to retain
health professionals, how they are being implemented, monitored and
evaluated and their impact, in order to make recommendations to enhance the
monitoring, evaluation and management of non-financial incentives for health
worker retention. The field survey results showed that Zimbabwe is losing
experienced CHPs, but that even newly qualified staff aspire to migrate to
gain experience. The major factor driving out-migration is the economic
hardship that CHPs face due to deterioration in the country's economy. Other
factors identified include poor remuneration, unattractive financial
incentives and poor working conditions. The Zimbabwe Health Service Board
(ZHSB) has implemented a retention package but constraints in its adequacy
and coverage appear to have limited its impact, while the ZHSB itself has
limited autonomy to decide on health worker incentives.

September 2008



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