Taking the WHO global code of practice on the international recruitment of health personnel from bottom drawer to negotiating table and action in Africa

Implementation of the World Health Organisation “Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel” (2010) is reported to be impeded by: lack of champions; resources for implementation; weak functional data (systems) on mobility of health personnel, and by limited domestication and dissemination of the Code in eastern and southern Africa (ESA) countries. This brief presents opportunities to use the Code in negotiating bilateral agreements and suggests ways of strengthening its implementation. Gains made at the global level need to be supported bilaterally, with both region and country engagement