*Says Nigeria has highest share of 21% head count
As Nigeria joins the world to commemorate the 2022 International Nurses’ Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has lamented that the Africa is still grappling with a severe shortage of nurses.
The global health body while stressing that Nigeria has the highest share of the headcount of nurses at 21%, said it posses a significant threat to the progress towards Universal Health Coverage if left unaddressed.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, in a message to mark the day, lamented that most countries have fewer than 20, with the number dropping below the required standard across the continent.
Quoting the latest estimates, Moeti said there are 1.6 million nurses and midwives across 47 Member States.
According to her, a total 66% of nurses are concentrated in six countries Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.
“Nigeria has the highest share of the headcount of nurses at 21%, followed by South Africa at 18%.
“The world needs 9 million more nurses and midwives to realize the health-related global Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. WHO in Africa’s analysis has identified a threshold of about 60 nurses and midwives per 10 000 people as a critical point for attaining at least 70% of the Universal Health service coverage index. “Currently, most countries have fewer than 20, with the number dropping way below even that for many across the continent.
“Nurses have a critical role to play in Primary Health Care delivery, often being the first – and only – health professional a patient will see. They contribute to research, disease prevention, treating the injured, administering palliative care, and more.
“They are the true unsung heroes on the front lines of disease prevention and care.
It’s common cause that investing in nurses and midwives is good value for money.
According to the UN High Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth, investments in education and job creation in the health and social sectors result in a threefold return in terms of improved health outcomes, global health security, and inclusive economic growth.
“Emphasizing the true value of our nurses, and the central role they have to play in influencing change, can transform the future of health care in Africa.
“As WHO in Africa, we are supporting Member States to strengthen nursing and midwifery through the implementation of the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (SDNM) 2021-2025, and an inter-related set of policy priorities to guide the contributions of nurses and midwives to achieve Universal Health Coverage, and other population health goals.
“In our continuing efforts to give nurses a voice, WHO established the Nursing and Midwifery Global Community of Practice virtual network, a forum for nurses and midwives around the world to collaborate with one another, with WHO, and with other key stakeholders”, Moeti added.
She therefore called on African leaders to commit the necessary investment to help improve the attractiveness of the nursing profession.
She said the development will require proper equipment, better working conditions, appropriate education, upskilling opportunities, and job creation.
Moeti said, “Nursing leadership also needs to be optimized, with chief nursing and midwifery officers mandated to drive the nursing agenda across education, employment, policy and practice.
“Around 80% of primary health care can be delivered by nurses, and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly served as an important platform to reiterate how integral nurses are to the maintenance of routine health care delivery, while also responding to a global crisis.
“The case for investing in nursing education, jobs and leadership is clear, and it’s time to commit to action”.
