Workforce needs and development in cancer prevention and control: Morocco as a case study

More than 50% of the global burden of disease is due to non-communicable diseases and disproportionately affects low and middle income countries. Today, cancer is the second leading cause of deaths globally with 70% of all cancer deaths occurring in developing countries. 20-25% of all cancers can be attributed to chronic infections and according to the World Cancer Report, as much as one third of all cancers worldwide can be prevented by tackling diet, smoking and infections, and another one third can be cured if detected early. While the critical shortage for physicians and nurses in developing nations is well advertized much less is known regarding shortage of public health professionals. Very few schools of public health exist in low and middle income countries to address the health needs of a nation. The needs are greater in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) as pointed out by the 2006 World Health Report where only eight schools of public health (relative to 137 medical schools, 225 nursing schools, 35 dental schools and 48 pharmacy schools) exist for the whole region.  With a population of 30 million and life expectancy at 69 years, Morocco is a low middle income country in EMRO that exemplifies the needs in public health training. Today communicable diseases represent 33% of DALYS and non-communicable diseases 56% of DALYS and the cancer burden ranges between 30,000-54,000 cases a year. This presentation will describe the impact of a lack of formal programs in public health training and the ensuing critical shortage in public health professionals in the field of cancer. This presentation will also address the struggle the country faces with brain drain and will illustrate potential solutions through partnerships with universities abroad.