The first conference addressing the global shortage of health workers is opening in Kampala. The World Health Organization says a further four million doctors, nurses, midwives and other health care professionals are needed. The WHO says the shortage is affecting basic services such as immunisation, child birth and treatment of diseases. There is a critical shortage of health workers in 57 countries, most of which are in Africa. Medical staff from Africa and Asia often migrate to richer countries where pay and conditions are better. On average, one in four doctors trained in Africa is working in the developed world. Read more