Niël Terblanché
Namibia joined the rest of the world in honouring nurses for their sacrifice and selfless dedication to the health and well-being of people everywhere.
President Hage Geingob in a special message on behalf of all Namibians said that everyone recognises the extraordinary contributions of Namibian nurses in the national healthcare system.
International Nurses Day was commemorated on Friday under the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future.”
International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12 May to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. The day recognises nurses’ contributions to healthcare and raises awareness of the crucial roles they play in promoting the health and wellness of people.
The President said that this year’s theme is appropriate as it recognises the needs and investments required for nursing in order to address global health issues and secure a healthy future for all.
“Indeed, they remain critical to keeping households and communities healthy and providing the necessary support and care. Therefore, the important roles of nurses and their selfless commitment and sacrifices cannot go unappreciated. As the world celebrates the significant work of nurses in maintaining healthy societies, the Namibian Government is aware of the constantly evolving nature of the nursing profession. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the centrality of nurses as front-line champions in the provision of equitable access to healthcare services,” Geingob said.
He added that Namibian nurses continue to contribute significantly to ensuring access to health for all.
“The Government notes the various challenges nurses face to deliver on their mandate effectively and is committed to creating an enabling and conducive environment. We owe our health and future to the tireless commitment of nurses, whose continuous impact on our lives is immeasurable,” he said.
On behalf of Namibians, the President expressed his deepest gratitude to Namibian nurses for their dedication, compassion, sacrifices and tireless efforts in keeping communities and the nation healthy.
“Your commitment to providing quality healthcare services, at times at your own expense, is inspiring and truly commendable,” he said.
