‘Turning the Ebbing Tide’: Knowledge Flows and Health in Low-income Countries

Abstract

In many developing countries, the value of knowledge is in its capacity to save and enhance human lives. The absence, loss or restriction of such knowledge impacts at the lowest levels of disadvantage and poverty, in death and disease. Essential components of an effective health service are medicines and skilled human resources. This paper highlights the restricted availability of these resources -a situation that arises because of deliberate policies that adversely affect knowledge flows towards the poor. We focus in particular on intellectual property rights and the mobility of highly educated health professionals (the 'brain drain') and how the ensuing knowledge flows affect health systems and their ability to respond to the often worsening health situation in many countries, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS. We conclude that urgent steps need to be taken to address the facilitators of human resource outflows and the inhibitors of intellectual capital inflows in sub-Saharan Africa.

Motivation Of Health Care Workers In Tanzania: A Case Study Of Muhimbili National Hospital

“…The African continent is currently facing serious human resource crisis in the health sector (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). These severe human resource shortages have affected the ability of many countries to initiate and sustain credible health services.…”

“…The workforce which is one of the most important inputs to any health system has a strong impact on the performance of health facilities (12). Despite the existence of several theories of motivation in the work place (13)(14)(15), little empirical data is available on the extent to which these theories have been used to address motivation related issues among health care workers in Africa even though there is overwhelming evidence of attrition (5,14).…”

Implementation of evidence-based healthcare in Papua New Guinea

“…Such evidence‐based approaches to medicine dominate globally as the preferred standard against which to evaluate healthcare practices in both developed and developing economies. Although developed countries have responded to these demands by ensuring such practices are followed, the majority of developing countries have struggled 10 . Efforts have focused on regular training as a means of overcoming some of the suggested inadequacies in skills and knowledge of health professionals in developing countries despite many health workers, particularly those in remote regions are not always able to access this type of professional development.…”

The Role of Health Extension Workers in Primary Health Care in AsgedeTsi'mbla District: A Case of Lim'at T'abya Health Post

“…In addition to implementing all activities of the HEP they are expected to also do agricultural activities in their work areas, as part of an exchange arrangement they have with Agricultural Extension Workers (Jackson and Kilsby, 2015, Koblinsky et al, 2010;McAuliffe E and MacLachlan, 2005;Last Ten Kilometers Project, 2008& 2009. Similarly in this study, to identify the challenges an in-depth interview is made with three HEWs in the study area.…”