St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, has highlighted the urgent need to expand medical training opportunities for African students as the global healthcare sector faces a looming shortage of doctors.

The university said the growing deficit of health workers worldwide requires sustained investment in training pathways to equip the next generation of physicians, particularly in regions with the most severe shortages.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world could face a shortfall of about 10 million health workers by 2030, with low- and middle income countries expected to bear the greatest impact. Africa remains one of the hardest-hit regions.

While the continent accounts for about 24 per cent of the global disease burden, it has only around three per cent of the world’s health workforce, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen medical education and retention systems.

The institution noted that factors such as rising life expectancy, ageing populations and the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases are placing increasing pressure on health systems worldwide. It added that the workload on healthcare professionals continues to grow, often leading to burnout and reduced capacity to provide optimal patient care.

SGU said it is helping to prepare African students for global healthcare roles by equipping them with the knowledge and clinical competencies required to address complex medical challenges, including cancer care.

The university explained that its medical curriculum combines foundational sciences, early clinical exposure and multidisciplinary training to ensure graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare environments.