Resisting the African 'Brain Drain'

Overview

A “brain drain” is sending many of Africa’s highly skilled workers abroad–and leaving a painful void in their absence. An organization called Seed Global Health is training new medical professionals and encouraging them to remain in their native countries, where they are so desperately needed. Fred de Sam Lazaro reports from Uganda as part of his series Agents for Change on PBS NewsHour.

Videos

 Discussion Questions

  1. What problems can you identify in this story? Are solutions presented?
  2. In what way might this story be relevant in your community?
  3. Many countries like Uganda suffer from a “brain drain.” Do you think people have an obligation to invest in their own community even if it could hurt their personal welfare?
  4. Sub-Saharan Africa has 24 percent of the world’s global burden of disease, and only 3 percent of the world health care work force. What impact could that disparity have on a society?

 Writing Prompt (250 Words) 

One problem nurses in Uganda face is the public perception of their profession. How can that culture be altered? Nurses in the United States have historically complained of similar issues. How have they “moved the needle” to gain more respect for their profession if in fact you think they have?