On Friday, 12th May 2023, Dr. Josephine Mburu, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Health Standards and Professional Management at The Ministry of Health today flagged off the procession for nurses and midwives as they celebrated the International Day of the Nurse that is marked on 12th May every year.
This is an auspicious day is set aside to not only celebrate the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, but also to recognize the tireless work of the more than 28 million nurses and midwives around the world. This annual celebration acknowledges the contributions nurses and midwives make to societies around the globe, as well as honoring the unmatched dedication and service of all these unsung heroes.
Nurses play a critical role in health promotion, disease prevention and delivering primary and community care. They work around the clock to provide essential healthcare services as they strive to improve the lives of patients.
The celebrations also mark the climax of the International Nurses and Midwives Week that began on 28th April 2023 in Kitui County, marking the start of the week. The week also celebrates the International Day of the Midwife, a day set aside to celebrate the vital role midwives play in our healthcare systems as specialists in caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
The procession saw hundreds of nurses and midwives match from Afya House, through the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to the Green Park Bus Terminus.
In her keynote address, PS Dr. Josephine Mburu noted that the government is banking on Primary Health Care systems to deliver Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She also assured the nurses and midwives that the Ministry of Health would work closely with the Council of Governors to empower them to ensure they are equipped in terms of knowledge and tools for effective service delivery.
The Nursing Council of Kenya Chairperson, Prof. Eunice Ndirangu – Mugo also speaking at the culmination, emphasized that nurses and midwives are central to bringing health closer to the people and towards the achievement of UHC. The Chairperson thanked nurses and midwives for their service towards keeping the nation healthy.
The cumulation was graced by the PS who was accompanied by the Nairobi County Government CECM, Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Dr. Anastasia Mutethya Nyalita, the Ministry of Health Director Nursing Services, Dr. Judith Awinja, the Nursing Council of Kenya Registrar and CEO, Dr. Edna Tallam – Kimaiyo, the Presidents of, the National Nurses Association Of Kenya – NNAK, Collins Ajwang, the KENYA Progressive Nurses Association-KPNA, Micheal Nyongesa and the Midwives Association of Kenya, Dr. Teckla Ngotie, County Chief Nursing Officers, nurses and midwives from across the country, among other invited guests.
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