Planning and reform of human resources for health in Afghanistan

ABSTRACT

Afghanistan is ranked 155 out of 169 countries on the human development index [HDI], a composite measure of three basic dimensions of human development, one of which is health. While some progress has been made, many of the key indicators of health status have not improved in the last decade. Many factors contribute to the lack of progress, but central to improving the situation is strengthening the national health system, particularly in the arena of human resources. The Ministry of Public Health [MoPH] has prioritized the issue of human resources, viewing this as a fundamental necessity to the provision of healthcare. To bring together a number of distinct planning efforts, the General Directorate of Human Resources [GDHR], MoPH organized a process to develop a comprehensive plan. In this paper, we summarize the process that was established by the GDHR to lay a foundation for developing the strategic plan to address human resources for health [HRH] in Afghanistan. This plan includes the synthesis and harmonization of data and the involvement of all key stakeholders. We document both success and shortcomings, discuss the remedial action initiated to continue to advance the HRH agenda, and conclude with several recommendations: