Zambia Celebrates Nurses and Pledges Investment
Zambia’s Ministry of Health commemorated International Nurses’ Day by recognizing the vital role nurses play and outlining plans to invest in the profession.
Health Minister Sylvia Masebo acknowledged nurses as the foundation of Zambia’s healthcare system, emphasizing the theme of the day, “Our Nurses, Our Future-The Economic Power of Care.”
Minister Masebo highlighted the importance of nurses in disease detection, quality care delivery, and ultimately, national health outcomes.
The Minister outlined several ways the government is demonstrating its commitment to nurses. Over the past two years, strategic recruitment efforts have brought over 17,000 new healthcare workers into the system, with plans for further recruitment in 2024.
Additionally, Minister Masebo said funding for public nursing schools has been increased to improve the quality of nurse training. New specialized training programs in trauma, oncology, neonatal, and public health nursing are also being offered.
She said the government is committed to further improvements by strengthening mentorship programs for qualified nurses and aligning training with the latest healthcare trends.
Minister Masebo acknowledged the challenge of maintaining quality education with the recent surge in nursing schools.
She assured the public that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia is actively working to address this concern.
She said the Council is improving communication and coordination between training institutions and practical training sites, as well as regulating enrollment numbers and ensuring instructors have the proper qualifications.
The Minister commended the dedication of nurses and urged them to uphold the six principles they swore into, emphasizing empathy and professionalism in their interactions with patients.
She also stressed the importance of enforcing these principles to maintain the respect nurses deserve.
The Registrar and CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Beauty Zimba, spoke about the Council’s role in ensuring quality care.
Minister Masebo said that the Council conducts compliance inspections of nursing training programs, regulates the practice and conduct of nurses and midwives, and enforces a professional dress code.
The ceremony concluded with Minister Masebo being recognized for her contributions to healthcare workers and her leadership in the nursing profession.
