Human resource development in public health emergency management: a scoping review

Abstract

This study systematically evaluated tools, frameworks, and methodologies to inform the development of a comprehensive and scalable human resource development (HRD) roadmap for sustainable public health emergency management (PHEM) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a specific focus on Ethiopia. A scoping review was conducted following established methodological frameworks, drawing evidence from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, complemented by grey literature from Google Scholar and institutional websites such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 addressing HRD strategies for PHEM in LMICs, including case studies, reviews, frameworks, and policy documents relevant to Ethiopia, were eligible for inclusion. Data were extracted using a structured template capturing study characteristics, methods, and recommendations, and thematically synthesized into HRD domains. Forty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, yielding nine cross-cutting themes: public health competencies, emergency preparedness, workforce retention, training and capacity building, community engagement, decision-making frameworks, technology integration, governance and policy, and global best practices. Evidence highlighted the importance of competency-based frameworks, interagency coordination, innovative training, and equity-focused approaches. Ethiopian findings revealed progress in competency development and field training but persistent gaps in institutionalisation, financing, and sustainability. The review underscores the urgent need for a standardised HRD roadmap that integrates adaptable strategies, community engagement, gender equity, and governance reforms to enhance workforce preparedness and resilience in future health emergencies.