The Role of African Nurse Diaspora in Addressing Public Health Priorities in Africa. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ezeonwu, Mabel
• Is Part Of: Global qualitative nursing research. Volume 8(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: African nurse diaspora -- African-born nurses -- nursing migration -- health workers -- global public health -- public health in Africa -- African public health priorities -- Africa; Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Nursing Research; Qualitative Research; Nursing -- Research; Qualitative research; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/23333936211031501
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-3936

Abstract

African countries experience many complex public health challenges that, to tackle, require coordinated, multi-stakeholder, collaborative partnerships at local and global levels. The African nurse diaspora is a strategic stakeholder, contributor, and liaison to public health interventions, given their roots in the continent, their professional connections in the west, and their ability to build an extensive network of global partners. Using a descriptive qualitative approach that amplifies the voices of the Africa nurse diaspora, this study provides an insider view of the continent's public health priorities and what roles the diaspora can play to improve health and population outcomes. Findings show that Africa's high disease burden is generally preventable but compounded by enduring socioeconomic challenges. Against this situation, African-born nurses in the diaspora are uniquely positioned to mobilize both local and global stakeholders in coordinated global health policy interventions and actively engage communities in preventive care while earning their trust.