Nigeria Nurses and Midwives Champions Investment in Nursing Profession

The President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nurse Nnachi Michael has called for increased investment in the nursing profession to drive healthcare transformation and economic growth.

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Speaking in Abuja the nations capital,  at the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Nurses week, Michael highlighted the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: The Economic Power of Care,” emphasizing the critical role of nurses in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

He underscored the significance of the theme, which highlights the economic impact of nursing care in creating healthy societies and driving economic prosperity.

He reiterated that nurses are not just caregivers but also advocates, educators, innovators, and leaders, with the power to shape healthcare policies and drive positive change globally.

Drawing attention to the challenges faced by nurses and midwives in Nigeria, including increased workload, poor compensation, and brain drain, Michael urged government officials and healthcare stakeholders to prioritize nursing and invest in its future.

“I called for the implementation of an Enhanced Nurses Salary Structure (ENSS) to address issues of migration and ensure the retention of skilled healthcare professionals within the country”, He said.

Michael also urged unity among nurses and midwives, calling on those involved in legal disputes with regulatory bodies to withdraw their cases and allow for constructive dialogue and collaboration.

“I call on members of NANNM or any group of Nurses and Midwives whatever name it seeks to be addressed, who have taken the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria or National Association of Nigeria of Nurses and Midwives to court for any reason(s) to promptly withdraw the matter to give room for the leadership of NANNM to completely address any lingering challenges affecting Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, to allow unity and progress in our valued profession. When two elephants fight, the grass suffers”, He said.

Michael also urged the Federal government to implement a special salary regime through the Enhanced Nurses Salary Structure, which would provide a much-needed increment.

He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in addressing challenges facing the nursing profession and achieving progress in healthcare delivery.

Michael highlighted the pivotal role of nurses and midwives in healthcare transformation and called for sustained investment in nursing education, training, and professional development.

He expressed gratitude to nurses and midwives across Nigeria for their dedication and sacrifices, wishing them a fruitful International Nurses Week celebration.

In a keynote address, Prof. Saleh Ngaski Garba emphasizing the pivotal role of nurses in shaping the future of healthcare. Prof. Garba shed light on the indispensable contributions of nurses to the healthcare industry globally.

In his address, Prof. Garba highlighted the multifaceted roles of nurses, ranging from promoting health and preventing illness to providing care for the ill, disabled, and dying. “Despite their critical importance, many countries, including those in the developed world, face shortages of nurses, with some reporting less than one nurse per 1000 population. However, nurses remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery, especially in remote rural areas, where they often serve as the primary point of contact for patients”, He added.

The keynote address also focused on the International Council of Nurses’ Charter for Change, which outlines ten policy actions aimed at empowering nurses and transforming healthcare systems.

Prof. Garba emphasized that implementing these policy actions would create sustainable health systems, aligning with goals such as Universal Health Coverage and Health for All.

Prof. Garba stressed the importance of investing in nurses to achieve universal health coverage and ensure the future resilience of healthcare systems.

His keynote address highlighted the essential contributions of nurses to healthcare and the economy.

“By recognizing nurses as key stakeholders in healthcare and implementing policies to support them, countries can build resilient health systems that prioritize patient care and well-being”, He added.