For Africa to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, it will require an additional 1.8 million health workers. 

However, it is projected that the continent will have a critical shortage of a health workforce of about 6.1 million by 2030. 

The statistics were revealed at the opening of the first Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum and the launch of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter in Windhoek. 

The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the World Health Organisation (WHO) will greatly contribute to Namibia's preparedness in addressing the challenges presented by global pandemics. 

President Hage Geingob praised the agreement during a farewell courtesy call by Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, outgoing Country Representative of the WHO, at the State House.