A shortage of skilled health workers is being seen around the world and is reaching crisis proportions.

This is the claim made by journalist Sarah Boseley, who suggested the situation is at its worst in sub-Saharan Africa, but is affecting the rest of the globe as well.

In an article for the Guardian, she suggested "the world needs an estimated 4.2 million more health workers", with talent gaps found in the US and Europe, as well as developing nations.

Ms Boseley pointed out Africa is affected by 24 per cent of global disease but currently has three per cent of its healthcare jobs, with severe shortages of nurses, doctors and midwives.

This problem is made worse by labor migration, with medical staff trained in Africa often seeking employment in richer nations.

"Countries with shortages must find ways to train, motivate and retain more people," the writer declared, adding conditions must be created to retain qualified professionals locally.

In related news, a recent poll in Australia by the National Health and Medical Research Council discovered most doctors in the nation are either moderately or very satisfied with their jobs.

Posted by Sarah Dixon