Abstract

Available literature shows that retention of human resources for health is underpinned by a number of factors in Motivation-Hygiene Theory key which include human resource development, financial incentives, and personal and professional support mechanisms. These are all linked to motivation and productivity. There is convergence of opinion that staff retentions required packaging different bundle of incentives depending on the staff cadres and location in the health service delivery system. This paper which was premised on literature review analyzes the main issues that impinge on retention of human resources for health in the region and Uganda in particular. It further delves into the options that the ministry of health and government of Uganda can consider to minimize staff migration from rural areas to greener pastures. The discourse in this paper ends with a conclusion against the backdrop of how these challenges can be addressed and the emphasis for pragmatic approaches as opposed to theoretical perception in addressing the challenges in human resources for health retention.

Key words: Human resources for health, human resource retention.