In this month's Bulletin

321Bull World Health Organ 2010;88:321 | doi:10.2471/BLT.10.000510 In this month’s Bulletin This issue addresses the special theme of retaining health workers in remote and rural areas. Manuel M Dayrit et al. (322) discuss this global challenge, particularly in countries with critical shortages of health workers. Lincoln C Chen (323) describes the uneven distribution of health workers and the challenges that countries face. Getting staff to stay in rural areas Carmen Dolea et al. (379–385) analyse the effectiveness of policies to attract and keep health workers. Luis Huicho et al. (357–363) propose a framework to measure the effect these policies. Where have all the nurses gone? Kathryn Senior (327–328) reports on the global shortage of nurses and how some countries are working to change this. Where do we stand on the Millennium Development Goals? Carla AbouZahr & Ties Boerma (324) suggest reasons for varied progress towards the health- related targets. Does compulsory service work? Seble Frehywot et al. (364–370) describe ways that governments are using compulsory service to place health workers in remote and rural areas. The role of medical schools James Rourke (395–396) discusses ways medical schools can encourage rural practice. Decentralized health financing Mahjabeen Haji et al. (397–399) look at how the design of health financing systems can help keep health workers in their posts. Norway Dealing with doctor shortages Karin Straume & Daniel MP Shaw (390–394) look at ways to keep doctors practising in Norway’s far north. Nigeria Pilot insurance plan Gary Humphreys (329–330) reports on how a Dutch-supported foundation is ‘exporting’ private health insurance to Nigeria. Rising to the challenge In an interview, Awojobi Oluyombo (331–332) explains his innovative approach to working as a rural surgeon. Ethiopia and Rwanda Who wants a rural health post? Pieter Serneels et al. (342–349) study why health workers decide to work in a rural area. Kenya, South Africa & Thailand Attracting nurses to rural areas D Blaauw et al. (350–356) find different benefits attract nurses in each country studied. Ghana Incentives for medical students Margaret E Kruk et al. (333–341) research influences on medical students’ job choices. Cuba Calling all doctors Gail Reed (325–326) reports on the medical school that is training doctors for the developing world. Chile Combined incentives work Sebastian Peña et al. (371–378) explore a programme that successfully matches physicians’ interests in specialization with the need for rural doctors. Senegal Solving regional differences Pascal Zurn et al. (386–389) show how a flexible contracting system can make it easier to recruit in remote areas.