International Nurses Day 2012

Message from Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia

International Nurses Day is observed on May 12 every year to celebrate the contribution of nurses to health systems strengthening and health outcomes. The theme for 2012 is “Closing the Gap: From Evidence to Action”.  Activities on this day are coordinated by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and national nurses’ associations…

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International Day of the Midwife, 5 May 2012

5 May 2012 is International Day of the Midwife. In the years leading up to 2015, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) has been using the overarching theme “The World Needs Midwives Today More Than Ever” as part of an ongoing campaign to highlight the need for midwives. This reflects the WHO call for midwives and the need to accelerate progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5.

WHO would like to join midwives globally to celebrate the International Day of Midwives

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Nurses and midwives are the majority of health workforce globally and in South-East Asia Region. Their work is oriented towards health promotion, disease prevention, care and rehabilitation for the individual, family and community in all health states. Their contribution to the health of people is well recognized.  However there are many challenges facing nursing and midwifery in South-East Asia including shortages, mal-distribution, unmet standard of education and services, inadequate capacity in responding to health needs, ineffective leadership and management, poor working environment and increasing international migration. The World Health Assembly recognized the impact of crisis in nursing and midwifery on health care delivery and made Resolutions for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery.

Mission

      To assist people to attain the highest possible level of health through qualified and capable nursing and midwifery workforce.

Vision

      Nurses and midwives provide quality of health care service contributing to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals and Health for All.

Goal

      To have adequate, competent and motivated nursing and midwifery workforce in countries of South-East Asia.

Objective

      To advise Member States in policy formation and strategy development for strengthening nursing and midwifery.

To provide technical assistance to Member States in strengthening nursing and midwifery workforce, education, service, regulation, research, leaderships and management for effective contribution to health system strengthening, Millennium Development Goals and the Health for All.