International Nurses' Day 2022: The WHO African Region Faces a Critical Shortage of Staff Nurses - Dr Moeti



BY CHIOMA UMEHA

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, has stated that the WHO African Region has long faced a chronic shortage of nurses, which, if not resolved, poses a substantial danger to our journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Based on the most recent recent figures, our 47 Member States have 1.6 million nurses and midwives. Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa account for 66% of all nurses worldwide.

This indication was provided in her statement to honor International Nurses' Day 2022, with the theme Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Invest in Nursing and Respect Rights to Secure Global Health, which could not be more fitting. To achieve the health-related global Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the world needs 9 million extra nurses and midwives.

"According to WHO's analysis in Africa, a crucial threshold of roughly 60 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people is required to achieve at least 70% of the Universal Health Service coverage index. Most countries now have less than 20, with many countries on the continent having even fewer than that. 

"Nurses play an important role in Primary Health Care, as they are sometimes the first and sometimes the only health professional a patient encounters. They help with research, disease prevention, injury treatment, and palliative care, among other things. On the front lines of disease prevention and treatment, they are true unsung heroes." It is widely believed that investing in nurses and midwives is a worthwhile investment. Investments in education and job development in the health and social sectors, according to the UN High Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth, yield a tripled yield in form of improved health outcomes, global health security, and inclusive economic growth.

"Throughout the pandemic, nurses have made significant sacrifices, performed bravely, and recommitted everyday to addressing a global health hazard unprecedented in modern times, serving as a vital pillar supporting African health care systems through some very difficult times."

"As WHO in Africa, we are supporting Member States to strengthen nursing and midwifery through the implementation of the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (SDNM) 2021-2025, and an interconnected set of policy priorities to direct the contributions of nurses and midwives to achieve Universal Health Coverage and other population health goals", Moeti added. "As part of our ongoing efforts to give nurses a voice, WHO launched the Nursing and Midwifery Global Community of Practice virtual network, a venue for nurses and midwives from around the world to join forces with one another, WHO, and other key stakeholders". 

"Today is International Nurses' Day, and I'd like to use this occasion to urge African countries to make the required investments to assist boost the appeal of the nursing profession. This will necessitate sufficient equipment, improved working conditions, appropriate education, opportunities for upskilling, and job development. Nursing leadership must also be improved, with chief nursing and midwifery officers charged with advancing the nursing agenda in education, employment, policy, and practice".

"Nurses may provide about 80% of primary health care, and the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly acted as an important platform to emphasize how vital nurses are in maintaining normal health care while simultaneously responding to a global disaster.

The need for investing in nurse education, employment, and leadership is strong, and now is the moment to take action ", she continued.

She commended and hailed the nurses in the African Region, thanking them for their continuous commitment to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Information Frustrates Young Women From Using Family Planning

Image
BY CHIOMA UMEHA, Awareness and proper understanding of family planning has been recognised to reduce maternal death among young women of reproductive age between 15 and 49. Data on Sexual Reproductive Health outcomes in Nigeria stresses the importance of focusing on adolescents. At 576 maternal death per 1,000 live births, Nigeria accounts for 14 percent of the global burden of maternal mortality (NDHS 2013/WHO 2014). Global evidence shows that young girls bear a higher burden of maternal mortality and morbidity. Data shows that the average age at sexual debut is roughly 15 years of age among adolescent mothers in Nigeria. (NDHS 2003, 2008, 2013). The National adolescent fertility rate in Nigeria is 122 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. In the North Western States, it is as high as 171 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. To stem this, the government of Lagos State with support from partners and other donor agencies has put in place youth-friendly he
Read more

Develop Specific Security Reforms To Curb Corruption In Defence Sector, National Assembly Urged

Image
  Group photograph of participants at the one-day workshop on "Capacity Building for Relevant Oversight Agencies on Anti-Corruption Reforms in Nigeria's Defence and Security Sector organised recently, by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), in collaboration with Transparency International - Defence and Security Project (TI-DSP) in Nasarawa State . National Assembly (NASS) has been urged to develop specific security reforms aimed at systematically curbing the root causes of corruption within the defence and security institutions in Nigeria. The stakeholders who during a recent a one-day workshop in Nasarawa state on "Capacity Building for Relevant Oversight Agencies on Anti-Corruption Reforms in Nigeria's Defence and Security Sector, also "advocated for the adoption of specific legislation” to curb corruption in the sector.   The stakeholders who participated recently in a one-day workshop on &q
Read more

Nestle Takes Action To Promote Safe Food And Empowers Food Vendors

Image
By Umeha Ucheoma Ogun Photo:  Funmi Osineye, Manager, Nestlé Professional Nigeria, educating the participants on the use of MAGGI seasoning. The quality and cost of these items for consumers are two factors that experts advise food businesses to always take into consideration.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a balanced diet is important for both excellent nutrition and health, and it may also lengthen life.  A variety of chronic non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, can be prevented by eating a balanced diet, which also strengthens muscles, improves immunity, strengthens bones, and keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy. Sadly, in a low-income nation like Nigeria, the caterers, food sellers, canteens, and "bukkas" that cater to this market sector do not always receive the support they require to offer wholesome, affordable meals that may guarantee that their clients receive the nutrients needed for optimum health.  However,
Read more