AFRO-NETS> The brain drain (5)

["Dr. Vitalis. G. Chipfakacha" <vchipfakacha-hiv@who.org.bw>]

The brain drain (5)
-------------------
 
This is not only occurring from developing countries to the developed 
world. It is happening among the developing countries as well. How 
many professionals from India and other Asian states are in Africa? 
How many professionals from Africa are working in other African coun-
tries instead of the home countries? Unless you want to call this 
brain circulation it is also a major strain on developing countries.
 
Although I fully agree with you, developing countries must ask them-
selves why they are losing their valued professionals? I do not think 
one can feed and send his/her children to school on patriotism. If at 
all Patriotism should start with the Politicos who seem to be getting 
richer and richer with others becoming poorer and poorer. How many 
countries in the developing countries have developed skills retention 
strategies? Probably none. The question is why not? Do they not see 
what the so-called brain drain is doing to their economies etc.? Af-
ter all a politician is there to serve the state and the people and 
if the brain drain is affecting the economy and social order of the 
state, the politician has failed in his/her duties.
 
This situation needs political commitment of the highest order.
 
On the other hand international organisations may also help by subsi-
dising the salaries and other benefits of these professionals. Many 
organisations send to Africa and elsewhere professionals from the 
North instead of capacitating professionals of the countries they 
serve, this should be discouraged.
 
Hoping that some policy makers on our continent are following this 
debate.
 
Thank you for bringing it up.
 
Vitalis Chipfakacha
Botswana
mailto:vchipfakacha-hiv@who.org.bw
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