Title:
Understanding the Gendered Challenges of Rural Health Worker Retention in Ghana with Lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors:
Adu-Gyamf, Lorinda
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT Institute
Year:
2025
PAGE:
45
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Health Workforce, Gender, Gender Responsiveness, Rural Health Workers, Health Worker Retention, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana
Abstract:
Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa faces a critical shortage of health workers, with rural communities disproportionately impacted. In Ghana, retention of rural health workers remains low, particularly among women, despite various policy efforts. This thesis aims to investigate the gender-specific factors influencing rural health workforce retention in Ghana and draw comparative lessons from sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: A scoping literature review and policy analysis were conducted using the WHO retention framework, examining six key domains: personal, financial, career, community, working conditions, and mandatory service. A gender lens was applied throughout to identify factors specific to male and female health workers. Results: Findings indicate that rural health workers in Sub-Saharan Africa face numerous challenges, including limited career advancement opportunities, inadequate infrastructure (such as staff housing and sanitation), and safety concerns, all of which have distinct gendered dimensions. Policies explicitly addressing these gender-specific issues are limited. Comparative evidence from Nigeria and Malawi highlights the effectiveness of genderresponsive interventions, such as localised training and providing incentives, in enhancing female retention. Ghana’s revised National Health Sector Gender Policy demonstrates progress in recognising gendered challenges, but it lacks detailed implementation plans, costed activities, baselines, and funding mechanisms. Discussion: This thesis concludes that without incorporating gender responsiveness, retention policies risk perpetuating workforce inequalities. It recommends targeted financial and nonfinancial incentives and embedding gender considerations within human resource policies, supported by robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Addressing gender disparities in rural health worker retention is essential to building equitable and sustainable health systems and advancing universal health coverage.
Organization:
KIT Institute/Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT Institute
Country:
Ghana
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity
Category:
research
Right:
©2025Adu-Gyamf
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
E88jjjWzZf_20251211124309456.pdf