Youth Perspectives on the Future of Medical Practice in Guinea-Bissau: A Brief Report

Understanding the career aspirations and concerns of the next generation is vital for strengthening medical systems in Africa. In Guinea-Bissau, which faces significant healthcare challenges, the perspectives of youth considering medical careers are largely undocumented. This brief report aimed to explore the views of young people in Guinea-Bissau on pursuing a career in medicine and their vision for the future of medical practice in the country. We conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions with purposively selected secondary school and university students in Bissau who had expressed an interest in health sciences. Discussions were transcribed and analysed thematically. Key themes included a strong desire to serve local communities alongside profound concern over systemic challenges. A prominent finding was that over half of the participants explicitly cited a lack of modern medical equipment and resources as a major deterrent to practising in the country after qualification. Youth in Guinea-Bissau are motivated by community service but hold pessimistic views about the feasibility of building a career within the current national health system, which they perceive as under-resourced. National health strategies should explicitly engage with youth perspectives. Investment in medical infrastructure and creating clear pathways for career development are urgently needed to retain future medical talent. Medical careers, health workforce, youth perspectives, Guinea-Bissau, medical education, Africa. This report provides insights into the aspirations and reservations of youth in Guinea-Bissau regarding medical careers, highlighting a need for systemic investment to secure the future medical workforce.