PAHO Urges Action to Address Nursing Workforce Shortage

PAHO called on countries in the Americas to intensify efforts to train and retain nursing professionals. This warning followed the release of WHO’s State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, which reveals a significant decline in the number of nursing graduates in the region.

In the Americas, the number of nursing graduates has dropped drastically from 81 per 10,000 people in 2018 to just 24 per 10,000 in 2023, reported Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director, PAHO. This decline represents a serious threat to the sustainability of the nursing profession in the Americas, with 40% of countries already having fewer than the WHO-recommended 30 nurses per 10,000 people, added Barbosa.

Currently, there are 7.4 million nurses in the Americas, representing 63% of the region's healthcare workforce. However, a shortage of 200,000 nurses is projected in the coming years. "Nurses are a cornerstone of health systems and services," stated Barbosa, highlighting their role as the largest segment of the healthcare workforce and their vital contribution to interdisciplinary teams. Barbosa further emphasized the importance of involving nursing staff in the development and implementation of health policies. 

The WHO report also points to persistent inequalities in the availability, distribution, education, and working conditions of nurses in the region. Issues such as inadequate working conditions, including the absence of policies on nursing staff work hours, job insecurity, and the lack of mental health and well-being programs, not only affect retention and the quality of care but also impact patient outcomes, access to care, and the functioning of health systems.

In response, the report urges countries to make long-term investments in nursing to expand professional training, protect health staff, and improve working conditions. “Investing in proper working conditions through policies and programs that guarantee the well-being and mental health of nursing staff is crucial for retention in health services,” Barbosa said. “It is also essential to recognize the value of the profession to make it more attractive to young people.”

Dr. Barbosa further emphasized the importance of involving nursing staff in the development and implementation of health policies. This involvement is key to advancing regulatory frameworks, training, and improving working conditions.