HEALTH WORKERS IN AFRICA

That this House notes the impact of the continuing health worker crisis in Africa; further notes that diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria cannot be tackled unless immediate action is taken to build the numbers and capacity of health workers; welcomes the UK Government's recognition of the shortage of trained and motivated health workers in the Department for International Development's strategy Working together for better health, and its commitment to help countries solve staffing crises and develop long-term health plans; and believes that it is necessary to provide support to African governments to match the skills of workers to local needs by enhancing the essential contribution made by health workers and community health workers in providing preventative care and treatment at the local community level where it is most needed.