IN THIS MONTH'S BULLETIN
This issue addresses the special theme of retaining health workers in remote and rural areas. Manuel M Dayrit et al. (322) discuss this global challenge, particularly in countries with critical shortages of health workers. Lincoln C Chen (323) describes the uneven distribution of health workers and the challenges that countries face.
Where have all the nurses gone?
Kathryn Senior (327-328) reports on the global shortage of nurses and how some countries are working to change this.
Getting staff to stay in rural areas
Carmen Dolea et al. (379-385) analyse the effectiveness of policies to attract and keep health workers. Luis Huicho et al. (357-363) propose a framework to measure the effect these policies.
Decentralized health financing
Mahjabeen Haji et al. (397-399) look at how the design of health financing systems can help keep health workers in their posts.
The role of medical schools
James Rourke (395-396) discusses ways medical schools can encourage rural practice.
Does compulsory service work?
Seble Frehywot et al. (364-370) describe ways that governments are using compulsory service to place health workers in remote and rural areas.
Where do we stand on the Millennium Development Goals?
Carla AbouZahr & Ties Boerma (324) suggest reasons for varied progress towards the healthrelated targets.