Africa-Press – Namibia.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, paid tribute to Namibian nurses and acknowledged their vital role in the country’s healthcare system during International Nurses Day on Monday by paying tribute.
Speaking at the Windhoek Central Hospital, the minister pledged improvements to nurses’ working conditions and professional opportunities.
“Nurses are the backbone of Namibia’s healthcare system,” Luvindao said.
She recognised their tireless service in both urban and rural areas, from national referral hospitals to remote clinics.
“It is our nurses who stand at the frontline,” she added.
The event, which coincided with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, also honoured Namibia’s Founding President, the late Sam Nujoma.
Luvindao paid tribute to Nujoma for championing the Primary Healthcare Policy after independence, a move that laid the foundation for universal health coverage and improved maternal and child health indicators in Namibia.
This year’s global theme for International Nurses Day, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens the Economy,” highlighted the importance of both moral recognition and material investment in nursing.
The 2025 theme focused on the health and well-being of nurses, emphasising the role a healthy nursing workforce plays in strengthening economies and improving health systems.
Luvindao acknowledged the sacrifices made by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Nurses are not just carers, they are national heroes,” she said.
She also addressed challenges in the profession, such as limited career progression and heavy workloads.
The ministry is taking steps to improve nurses’ working conditions.
“We are reviewing the healthcare structure, with a renewed focus on improving conditions for nurses,” she explained.
The minister shared that responses from nurses and doctors to a recent call for postgraduate training have been encouraging.
She also announced that new uniforms for nurses are expected to be delivered in the current quarter.
“These actions may seem like small gestures, but they are important symbols of respect and professionalism,” Luvindao said.
She urged all Namibians to show appreciation for the nation’s nurses.
“Nurses are the steady hands that heal and the hearts that give hope,” she concluded, thanking them for their service.
International Nurses Day, celebrated each May 12 on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, is an occasion to highlight the essential role of nurses worldwide.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has called for urgent action to address nurse retention and recruitment challenges, with a global shortage of 5.9 million nurses.
According to the ICN’s International Nurses Day Report 2025, the nursing workforce is under strain due to poor working conditions, with many countries relying on short-term fixes like international recruitment and task-shifting.
The report also revealed a job satisfaction crisis, with 61% of nurses reporting high levels of job strain.
Many countries have seen a decline in interest in nursing careers, and over 86% of nurses reported experiencing violence in the workplace.
Despite policies aimed at reducing violence, these measures have proven inadequate.
The ICN’s report pointed to the undervaluation of nurses, with 72% of National Nursing Associations reporting little to no increase in nurses’ salaries since 2021.
The ICN stressed that the growing crisis in the nursing profession requires long-term solutions.
ICN President, Dr. Pamela Cipriano, urged governments to prioritise nurses’ well-being and address the systemic issues undermining nurse retention and recruitment.
The report also highlighted the economic importance of investing in nurses’ health.
Studies show that every dollar invested in healthcare can generate a $2-$4 return, and improving nurses’ health and resources can boost productivity by up to 20%, leading to better care delivery and cost savings.
The ICN said that countries investing in a well-supported nursing workforce will see improved health outcomes and enhanced economic prosperity.
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