The global nursing workforce has increased from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023, but disparities persist, according to the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report by WHO, ICN, and partners.
Despite a decrease in the global nursing shortage from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023, progress masks deep regional imbalances, with 78% of nurses concentrated in countries representing just 49% of the global population.
Uganda faces similar issues, particularly in rural areas, where nurse-to-patient ratios are still low.
In Uganda, the shortage of nurses remains a critical issue, especially in remote areas like Karamoja and Buvuma.
Many trained nurses face unemployment, as government hospitals cannot accommodate all graduates due to budget constraints.
"This report contains encouraging news, for which we congratulate the countries that are making progress,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“However, we cannot ignore the inequalities that mark the global nursing landscape."
The report highlights a growing reliance on foreign-born nurses, with 23% of nurses in high-income countries being foreign-born.
Uganda’s nurses also migrate to countries with better pay, further exacerbating local shortages.
"We welcome the SoWN 2025 report as an important milestone for monitoring progress on strengthening and supporting the nursing workforce towards global health goals,” said Pam Cipriano, President, International Council of Nurses.
The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report also highlights that gender and equity remain central concerns. Women make up 85% of the global nursing workforce, with many facing challenges like lower pay and limited leadership opportunities.
In Uganda, these gender disparities are particularly evident, with female nurses often earning less than their male counterparts in other health professions.
In Uganda, addressing the mental well-being of nurses is crucial, especially after the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 42% of responding countries offer mental health support for nurses, which remains a pressing issue.
“Delivering on UHC is dependent on truly recognizing the value of nurses and on harnessing the power and influence of nurses to act as catalysts of positive change in our health systems,” said Cipriano.
Looking ahead, the report outlines policy priorities for 2026–2030, urging countries to improve working conditions, expand nursing jobs, and enhance leadership opportunities.
The evidence provides an impetus for alignment with the WHO Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2021–2025, aimed at accelerating action on the health workforce by 2030.