IDN and IDM Celebration 2024
The International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. International Council of Nurses (ICN) commemorates this important day each year with the production and distribution of International Nurses’ Day (IND) resources and Evidence. The Theme of this year’s celebration is: Our Nurses Our Future The Economic Power Of Care. This theme aims to reshape perceptions, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing brings economic and societal benefits.
As we reflect on the theme of this year’s International Nurses Day, it is evident that the role of nursing extends far beyond the bedside. Nurses are key in driving the health outcomes and economic stability of societies across the globe. It is time for a national acknowledgment of nursing not just as a profession but as an essential investment in our collective future.
This theme underscores the undeniable impact of nursing on both health systems and economies, and the peaceful country we all want to live in.
What is needed now is a political commitment to actionable change to support and expand the nursing workforce.
Nursing is the backbone of health care systems worldwide contributing to better health outcomes, economic savings and more stable societies. The call for a reimagined valuation of nursing is timely and urgent.
As we face global health challenges, including chronic diseases, increasing numbers of violent conflicts and pandemics, the role of nurses has never been more critical than now.
To secure a healthier future, we must invest in the nursing workforce and nurses’ education, provide competitive remuneration, ensure better working conditions, and recognize nurses’ contributions at all levels of health care and policymaking.
The economic benefits of nursing, highlighted through improved patient outcomes, reduced hospitalization times and overall health care savings, are evidence to the value of this profession.
Nurses are not just health care providers; they are educators, leaders, and advocates for the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The future of health care is fundamentally linked to the future of nursing. As such, supporting the nursing workforce is not optional; it is obligatory.
Message for International Nurses Day
UNFPA Representative, Dr. Ademola Olajide
On this International Nurses Day 2024, I extend congratulations to the dedicated and
compassionate nursing workforce in South Sudan, acknowledging their profound impact on the
health and well-being of individuals and communities. The theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future:
The Economic Power of Care,” resonates profoundly with the work we do at the United
Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasizing the invaluable contributions of nurses and
midwives worldwide.
Our nurses are at the forefront of care, providing essential health services that go beyond clinical
treatment. They form a critical backbone in the delivery of maternal and reproductive health
services, which are foundational to healthier societies and economies. In many places, they are
the first—and sometimes the only—health professionals available to provide comprehensive
care. They often extend their roles far beyond clinical settings, advocating for gender equality,
educating on family planning, and delivering culturally sensitive healthcare.
In South Sudan and around the world, we recognize the indispensable role of nurses in tackling
maternal mortality and morbidity, a key priority for the Government of South Sudan and
UNFPA. Nurses are on the front lines with midwives, providing safe deliveries and critical
antenatal and postnatal care, ensuring that no woman dies while giving life. Their efforts in
community health outreach programmes, education, and vaccination campaigns amplify their
reach, bridging gaps in healthcare access.
Investing in nurses and midwives is crucial for economic growth. A robust, well-supported
nursing workforce builds resilient health systems and strengthens economies. The recent
graduation of self-funded students at the Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery exemplifies this
resilience, showcasing families' and communities' commitment to nursing and midwifery
workforce development. In addition, research has shown that for every dollar spent on
midwives and nurses, the return on investment is manifold, improving not just individual health
outcomes but also bolstering workforce productivity and reducing future healthcare costs.
However, these dedicated professionals face significant challenges. They often work long hours
under extremely demanding conditions, particularly in areas plagued by conflict or with limited
resources. In addition, gender biases frequently undermine their contributions, as nursing and
midwifery remain a female-dominated professions.
On this International Nurses Day, we urge policymakers, governments, and international
organizations to acknowledge the economic power of care by investing in nursing education, fair
remuneration, and career development opportunities. It is crucial to promote inclusive policies
that address the challenges facing nurses and recognize their pivotal role in global health security.
As we look towards the future, let us remember that strengthening nursing and midwifery care is
not just a health issue; it's an economic imperative. By elevating the status of our nurses and
investing in their futures, we are investing in a healthier, more equitable world. UNFPA stands
firmly with nurses globally, championing their rights and advocating for the necessary resources
to empower them to continue their indispensable work. Together, let us build a future where
every nurse is valued, supported, and equipped to unlock the economic power of care.