The World Health Organization Country Office in South Africa has described the launch of Africa’s first prototype competency based curricula for ten priority health professions as a “groundbreaking moment” for the continent.
Speaking at the event, Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, WHO South Africa Country Representative, said the new curricula represent a major step forward in strengthening the quality, competence and public trust in Africa’s health workforce.
“I am extremely excited to be part of this groundbreaking moment,” she said. “These ten competency based curricula focus on the areas most needed and reflect extensive consultation on the priorities of our member states.”
A new era of trust and competence
El-Halabi emphasised that public trust in health workers is a foundational element of health systems and that the new models aim to ensure health workers are not only well trained but fully competent to deliver quality care.
“The public has placed trust in the health workforce. How do we make sure our health workforce is competent to deliver? These documents were developed through consultation to reflect what is needed in member states,” she said.
Turning guidance into real world action
As the WHO Country Office, El-Halabi explained that their role involves translating global and regional guidance into actionable national plans.
“We engage with member states in providing normative guidance and translating documents into action,” she said. “As WHO, we are here to support member states in implementing these high priority documents.”
She noted that the curricula respond to some of the most pressing concerns on the continent, including stagnating maternal and infant mortality rates, gaps in community health worker support and uneven training standards.
Cross sector collaboration is essential
El-Halabi stressed that the work ahead extends beyond the health sector.
“I look forward to working with the National Department of Health but also the education sector, because it goes beyond health,” she said.
Training institutions and WHO collaborating centres will also play a pivotal role in implementation, adaptation and scale up.
Institutionalisation and sustainability
While the launch marks a historic milestone, El-Halabi said a key priority now is ensuring the curricula become institutionalised within national systems.
“These documents are transformative, but how do we institutionalise them?” she asked. “We hope there will be further consultation within member states and engagement with all key partners to ensure these very important documents are used and sustained.”
She concluded by reaffirming WHO’s commitment to helping countries adopt, integrate and operationalise the new approach.
“I thank you,” she said. “And I look forward to continued collaboration to improve health outcomes in the country, in the continent and globally.”