Improve the training, recruitment and deployment of health human resources in Togo

Introduction: The objective of this article is to describe the results of a situational analysis of training, recruitment and deployment of health workers conducted in Togo in 2015, in order to inform the new Human Resources for Health plan. Methods: The research was conducted according to a mixed methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data concerning fourteen professional categories were collected from the Ministry of Health, health training institutions, students, employers and health workers. Data collection and analysis were based on a conceptual framework depicting the training-recruitment-deployment chain. Each step in this chain influences the efficiency and efficacy of the entire chain: each step can lead to loss of health workers, loss of time or financial resources and can consequently have an impact on the availability, accessibility and quality of health workers in Togo. Results: The study identified twelve areas of improvement that could constitute future strategies for health workers, comprising five areas related to education, five areas related to personnel recruitment and two areas related to deployment. Conclusion: The study proposed a conceptual framework and indicators for regular monitoring of the training-recruitment-deployment chain to allow in-depth analysis of its dynamics. This approach supports the formulation of appropriate strategies and better follow-up of the effects of interventions by the Ministry of Health.