Ethiopian experience in health manpower training. A review of the Public Health College.

Health manpower development in Ethiopia, mainly the paramedical personnel training programmes of the Public Health College, is reviewed and discussed. The 'health team' training programme in Gondar is the most practical and a significant development in the field of paramedical training for developing countries. The pattern and experience of the Gondar training programme could contribute to the world's knowledge of training and utilization of health teams for rural health services. It could serve as a model, with appropriate modifications, for other developing countries. The 'team' approach during training and services, the Health Officer, supported by paramedical personnel, who serves as the team leader, and the gradual development of medical education are realistic, and effective means for producing health manpower in the developing countries. The establishment of a definite career structure, with prospects for future continuing professional advancement, respectable status, appropriate authority, adequate technical supervision, administrative support, decent working and living conditions are vital for the success of this programma in Ethiopia.