A conceptual framework for the strategic analysis and management of the brain drain of African health care professionals

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual framework for the analysis and management of the brain drain of African health professionals. It is a synthesis of information drawn from an exploratory study of the literature on the international migration of skilled workers. It outlines the causes of this phenomenon as well as the impact on, and interrelationships between, health systems, knowledge production and the economy at large. The paper concludes by outlining an integrated policy intervention strategy aimed at the different variables in the framework.