Human resources management for communicable diseases in Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND

Effective management of communicable diseases (CDs) requires a professional, motivated, and dedicated health workforce. Afghanistan, which bears a high burden of CDs, faces significant challenges in maintaining such a workforce. This study aims to strategically analyze human resource management (HRM) for CDs in Afghanistan and to propose appropriate strategic solutions.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted between February 27 and September 21, 2024 using interpretative phenomenology (IP) through semi-structured interviews with 49 experts, including policymakers, managers, service providers, and NGO officers within Afghanistan's health system. Data were analyzed using a framework analysis approach guided by a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) framework to identify factors related to the health workforce in CDs management, including challenges and potential solutions.

RESULTS

The study identified 15 strengths, 16 weaknesses, 8 opportunities, 13 threats, and 23 potential solutions related to HR for managing CDs. Key strengths included an established network of community health workers and recruitment through online platforms. Major weaknesses involved inequitable distribution of health personnel, imbalance between supply and demand, shortage of qualified managers, insufficient female health workers, lack of CD specialists, and inadequate salaries. Opportunities included the presence of a young health workforce, while key threats were brain drain, resource limitations, and restrictions on women's education. Proposed solutions emphasized improving retention strategies, increasing recruitment budgets, promoting female education, and raising salaries for health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective management of CDs in Afghanistan requires a knowledgeable, sufficient, and well-supported workforce. Addressing workforce challenges through strategic planning, recruitment, and retention initiatives-guided by insights from the SWOT analysis-can strengthen the health system's capacity for sustainable CD control.