Latest news with #Nursing2025
Observer
13-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Alarm over ‘inequities' in global nursing
Every year on May 12, countries around the world come together to celebrate Nurses Day, recognising the profession's significant impact on the economy, society, and culture. This day also promotes the acceptance, support and inclusion of nurses on a global scale. Established formally in 1965, the observance was further solidified in 1974 when May 12 was designated as the fixed date to coincide with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the pioneer of modern nursing. Over the years, this day has grown and evolved into a global event. Not only did Florence Nightingale set standards for healthcare and nursing in medical camps and hospitals during the Crimean War, but she also established a nursing school in 1860 to provide training for aspiring nurses and healthcare workers. This year, the day was observed under the theme 'Our Nurses. Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,' which highlights the importance of promoting the support to the patient's family. True to their calling, nurses stand by individuals during the most vulnerable moments of life. When a crisis occurs and the feelings strike and you can't care for yourself, nurses are there to care for you. They dedicate themselves to those in greatest need, regardless of the risks involved. Apart from their roles as health professionals, they also offer emotional support to the patient's family. Frequently, they assume the roles of a friend, sibling, neighbour or someone who is always available to address questions or concerns. They are usually the best cheerleader and support system patients have! They listen to patients and assess their physical, emotional, cultural, mental and spiritual needs. In the current healthcare system, nurses are among the most trusted healthcare professionals and play a significant role in the treatment and medical care of the sick. Nurses contribute immensely to our lives. As they assist in bringing new life into the world, we should celebrate them not only for their extensive skills and capabilities but also for the dedication and hard work they invest to make it all possible. As the backbone of healthcare, nurses should be granted positions of greater influence - particularly in the areas of quality care, health policy planning and management, wellness promotion and efficiency improvement. According to the State of the World's Nursing 2025 report, published by the World Health Organization in partnership with the International Council of Nurses, the global nursing workforce has increased to 29.8 million in 2023, up from 27.9 million in 2018. The report emphasises the critical importance of a healthy nursing workforce in delivering high-quality care, enhancing healthcare systems, and bolstering economic resilience on a global scale. The report suggests that the global nursing shortfall could approach 4.5 million practitioners by the year 2030. At the same time, the report reveals intricate disparities between and among countries, regions, and socio-economic contexts. 'Inequities in the global nursing workforce leave a significant portion of the world's population without access to essential health services, which could jeopardise progress toward universal health coverage and health-related development goals,' the report states. Mental health and workforce well-being continue to be significant concerns. Only 42 per cent of responding countries have established provisions for supporting nurses' mental health, despite the increased workloads and trauma experienced during and since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. During this period of devastation, nurses constituted the majority of the medical workforce. They played a crucial role during the pandemic as frontline workers in patient care within hospitals and were actively engaged in evaluating and monitoring the community. They demonstrated remarkable courage, adaptability, and creativity in this battle! Findings also suggest that one in seven nurses worldwide - and 23 per cent in high-income countries - are foreign-born, highlighting the reliance on international migration. In contrast, the proportion is significantly lower in upper middle-income countries at 8 per cent, lower middle-income countries at 1 per cent and in low-income countries at 3 per cent. Samuel Kutty The writer is a freelance journalist and author who worked in Oman and India
Observer
12-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
International Nurses Day: Caring for nurses strengthens economy
The Sultanate of Oman joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Nurses Day, which this year is themed 'Caring for Nurses Strengthens the Economy'. Through its advanced nursing policies and initiatives, the Sultanate of Oman affirms that it views nursing as an essential component of health and development strategies, and that caring for and empowering nurses is the path to building a strong health system and a thriving economy. According to the State of the World's Nursing 2025 report, published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the global nursing workforce has grown from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023, but wide disparities in the availability of nurses remain across regions and countries. Inequities in the global nursing workforce leave many of the world's population without access to essential health services in some countries, which could threaten progress towards universal health coverage (UHC), global health security and the health-related development goals. 'Oman has achieved significant milestones in terms of excellence and many countries too need to ensure the satisfaction of this essential sector. This year's theme focuses on nurses' health and well-being and highlights the critical role of a healthy nursing workforce in supporting the overall healthcare system globally. I believe by implementing nurses' well-being first, healthcare systems can improve community outcomes and create more sustainable economies because every day is a Nurses Day,' says Alya al Hasani, a nurse with government healthcare. Ferdinand Marco B Larena, Founding President of Philippine Nurses Association of Oman, Inc says 'I see your strength, I feel your sacrifices, and I celebrate your dedication. Your presence changes lives. You bring healing not only through your hands but also through your spirit — offering comfort in a language beyond words. Let today be a reminder that you are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. You are not just nurses — you are leaders, caregivers, advocates and lifelines. The world may never fully grasp the depth of your work, but I do, and I honour you with all my heart'. Mark Niño Galang, Mental Health Nurse, and Committee Chairperson, Philippine Nurses Association in Oman, Inc International Nurses Day 2025 honours the heart and dedication of nurses around the world with the theme 'Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.' (International Council of Nurses). This message reminds all of us that when we support and care for us nurses by valuing our work, ensuring fair working conditions, and investing in our professional growth we not only improve lives but also help build stronger, healthier communities and economies. For nurses everywhere, it's a powerful reminder that our well-being matters, and that our care and compassion are the cornerstones of global health. 'Amidst their demanding roles, nurses need to ensure their personal well-being and quality patient care, as they are required to stay physically and mentally fit. They need to ensure they are physically active and to achieve this, they should exercise regularly and take time out for themselves. Walking, yoga and other exercises can help promote fitness. Also, eat a nutritious, balanced diet for better health,' says Salu Jose Mathew, Mental Health Nurse Educator with the MoH. 'Their mental wellbeing is equally important and they should perform deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness practices to calm their mind and indulge themselves in hobbies by engaging in activities of their liking and taking time out for 'me time. It will promote relaxation. Also, they need to plan their day and set reminders to avoid last-minute work stress,' she adds. Chinnu Achuthan, Senior Staff Nurse, Prime Medical Centre LLC, Mabela North, Muscat feels that nursing is more than a profession and it's a calling to serve and heal. 'Every day, we strive to make a difference in patients' lives, offering comfort and support during their most vulnerable moments. We extend our gratitude to all nurses for their tireless efforts, especially during challenging times. Happy International Nurses Day! Let's continue to inspire and care with excellence.'
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
WHO unveils the State of the World's Nursing 2025 report on International Nurses Day
Today is International Nurses Day. Image: File picture: Damaris Helwig To mark International Nurses Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO), alongside global partners, unveiled the State of the World's Nursing 2025 (SoWN) report. The report is a comprehensive analysis of the global nursing workforce and its critical role in advancing health systems worldwide. The launch event spotlighted key findings and policy recommendations from the report, presented by lead author Dr. Carey McCarthy of WHO. The event featured an international panel of nursing leaders, including report co-chairs Sheila Bonito of the University of the Philippines and Howard Catton of the International Council of Nurses. They were joined by Jim Campbell, WHO Director of Health Workforce, and Dr. Amelia Latu Afuhaamango Tuipulotu, WHO Chief Nursing Officer, for a global discussion highlighting the importance of the report across diverse health contexts. Building on the 2020 edition, the 2025 report reflects changes in the global health landscape, addressing new challenges such as increasingly complex disease profiles, greater demand on health systems, and the urgency of aligning with the remaining years of the Sustainable Development Agenda. The report delivers the most current data on critical areas, including nursing education, employment, migration, regulation, working conditions, and leadership. It also provides updated estimates and projections on nursing workforce supply and demand through 2030. In addition to the global launch, national and regional discussions are being held to explore local data and policy implications. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The report aims to inform and support evidence-based policy decisions, helping countries determine where and how to invest in nursing to strengthen primary healthcare systems and achieve universal health coverage. The release of SoWN 2025 comes at a pivotal moment, as Member States prepare for the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly. There, they will consider extending the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2021–2025 to 2030, as recommended by WHO's Executive Board earlier this year. With validated data and strategic policy options, the State of the World's Nursing 2025 report is set to be a vital tool for governments, planners, and healthcare leaders committed to building resilient and equitable health systems worldwide. IOL Lifestyle
Eyewitness News
12-05-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
International Nurses Day: Health Dept calls for protection of nurses, healthcare workers
JOHANNESBURG - The Health Department is calling for all hands on deck to protect nurses and other health workers, as South Africa joins the global community in commemorating International Nurses' Day on Monday. The call comes as nurses continue to face physical and verbal abuse while on duty, with recent incidents of robbery and sexual assault reported at primary healthcare facilities across the country. The department said nurses play a critical role in delivering quality healthcare and that a safe, supportive working environment is key to achieving long-term health outcomes like reduced infant and maternal mortality. This year's commemoration is being held under the theme: 'Our nurses. Our future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.' It's a reminder of the crucial role nurses play not only in healthcare delivery but in building stronger, more resilient economies. The department will also participate in the global launch of the State of the World's Nursing 2025 report on Monday, hosted by the World Health Organization and the International Council of Nurses. Spokesperson, Foster Mohale said, "It is for this reason that the department appeals to all stakeholders in the society to join hands with government, law enforcement agencies and various community-based structures to make health facilities safer places for nurses to carry out their duties." In a bid to ease workloads and improve care, it's set to recruit 200 additional nurses as part of the human resources for health strategy 2030, a plan linked to the country's commitment to universal health coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Eyewitness News
12-05-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Health Dept calls for all hands on deck to protect nurses, other healthcare workers
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Health is calling for all hands on deck to protect nurses and other healthcare workers as South Africa joins the global community in commemorating International Nurses Day on Monday. The call comes as nurses continue to face physical and verbal abuse while on duty, with recent incidents of robbery and sexual assault reported at primary healthcare facilities across the country. The department said nurses play a critical role in delivering quality healthcare and that a safe, supportive working environment is key to achieving long-term health outcomes like reduced infant and maternal mortality. The commemoration in 2025 is being held under the theme: 'Our nurses. Our future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.' It's a reminder of the crucial role nurses play not only in healthcare delivery, but in building stronger, more resilient economies. The department will also participate in the global launch of the State of the World's Nursing 2025 report on Monday, hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN). "It is for this reason that the department appeals to all stakeholders in the society to join hands with government, law enforcement agencies and various community-based structures to make health facilities safer places for nurses to carry out their duties,' said spokesperson Foster Mohale. In a bid to ease workloads and improve care, it's set to recruit 200 additional nurses as part of the Human Resources for Health Strategy 2030 — a plan linked to the country's commitment to universal health coverage under the National Health Insurance (NHI).
