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Task shifting-moving tasks to healthcare workers with a shorter training-for emergency obstetric care (EmOC) can potentially improve access to lifesaving interventions and thereby contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The present paper reviews studies on task shifting for the provision of EmOC. Most studies were performed in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and focused primarily on task shifting for the performance of cesarean deliveries. Cesarean delivery rates increased following EmOC training without significant increase in adverse outcomes. The paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of task shifting in EmOC and the role of this approach in improving maternal and newborn health in the short and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The brain drain of health workers occurs mostly from low- and low/middle-income countries to resource-rich countries and from rural to urban areas. Shortage and uneven distribution of healthcare workers aggravated by the brain drain from Africa, Asia, and Pacific countries has contributed to impaired reproductive and sexual health services and the high rate of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in these counties. Brain drain impedes maternal, neonatal, and child health and the fight against HIV/AIDS, and translates into loss of potential employers, teachers, and role models. Source countries spend US$ 500 million each year to educate health workers who leave their home countries for North America, Western Europe, and South Asia. A code of practice on international recruitment of health personnel is needed. Improving the health workforce database, wages, health resources and working conditions, task shifting, pay-back from recipient countries and migrant health professionals, securing additional investment in the health workforce, and the development of locally relevant medical training and research are useful measures to combat this problem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]