Doctors and nurses leaving Cameroon due to low pay
- Cameroon is experiencing a significant shortage of health workers.
- About a third of trained doctors who graduated last year left the country.
- The low pay is prompting doctors and nurses to seek opportunities abroad.
After training as a nurse, Nevielle Leinyuy struggled to find a well-paying job in the medical field in Cameroon, leading him to work as a receptionist. Many trained doctors are leaving the country due to low wages. The shortage of healthcare workers in Africa persists despite an increase in numbers post-COVID. Cameroon faces a severe lack of nurses, with neighboring countries having higher ratios. Over 30,000 nursing positions are vacant in Cameroon, while Canada recruits doctors at a much higher rate. The health crisis in Cameroon is exacerbated by the departure of health workers and the closure of numerous health facilities due to conflict. Cameroonians are among the top applicants for immigration programs like Express Entry, with many seeking opportunities abroad, such as in Canada.