EQUINET Discussion Paper 65: Retention incentives for health workers in Zimbabwe
MJ Chimbari, D Madhina, F Nyamangara, H Mtandwa, and V Damba; National University of Science and Technology
*Cite as:* Chimbari MJ, Madhina D, Nyamangara F, Mtandwa H, Damba V and National University of Science and Technology (2008) 'Retention incentives for health workers in Zimbabwe,' EQUINET Discussion Paper Series 65. EQUINET in co-operation with the East, Central and Southern African Health Community (ECSA-HC), the University of Namibia, University of Limpopo:
Harare.*
Available online at:* *
http://www.equinetafrica.org/bibl/docs/DIS65HRchimbari.pdf*
This paper investigates the impact of the framework and strategies to retain critical health professionals (CHPs) that the Zimbabwean government has put in place, particularly regarding non-financial incentives, in the face of continuing high out-migration. The study investigated and reports on the causes of migration of health professionals; the strategies used to retain health professionals, how they are being implemented, monitored and evaluated and their impact, in order to make recommendations to enhance the monitoring, evaluation and management of non-financial incentives for health worker retention. The field survey results showed that Zimbabwe is losing experienced CHPs, but that even newly qualified staff aspire to migrate to gain experience. The major factor driving out-migration is the economic hardship that CHPs face due to deterioration in the country's economy. Other factors identified include poor remuneration, unattractive financial incentives and poor working conditions. The Zimbabwe Health Service Board (ZHSB) has implemented a retention package but constraints in its adequacy and coverage appear to have limited its impact, while the ZHSB itself has limited autonomy to decide on health worker incentives.
September 2008