Nigeria’s government has announced a plan to train 2,000 health workers annually in a bid to strengthen its struggling healthcare system.

Health Minister Mohammed Pate revealed the initiative alongside news of a $5.5 billion private sector investment and 22 major manufacturing projects in the sector.

While the move has sparked cautious optimism, concerns remain, as over 16,000 Nigerian health professionals have emigrated in the past seven years.

Experts say the training program must be paired with improved working conditions to truly stem the brain drain.