With high unemployment among health care professionals, an agreement between Malawi and Israel will see the southern African nation send trained nurses and midwives to Israeli health institutions. The Malawian government has said the bilateral deal, signed in April, will benefit health care workers by giving them a job, new skills and a way to support their families through remittances.

This offers a chance for unemployed Malawian nurses, like Christina Jere, who is enthusiastic about the prospect.

"I would definitely go. I have been qualified for three years and I haven't even been called for an interview," Jere told DW.

"Malawi is my home, but why would I stay in a country where I have spent so much on college fees without a job?"

Elizabeth Gondwe, another trained nurse, has similar aspirations. "I've stayed here for a long time without being employed. I'm so excited because here in Malawi I was unable to help my family," said Gondwe, adding that she eventually envisions returning to Malawi with more skills and experience.

Not everyone is thrilled about the idea of sending skilled health care workers abroad. A similar deal agreed in 2023, in which Malawians went to work in Israel's agricultural sector, caused uproar........

© Deutsche Welle