By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has called for immediate funding and workable solutions to protect nurses and midwives from emotional, mental, and physical challenges.

The association acknowledged the critical contributions of nurses and midwives to society, noting that they form the backbone of the healthcare system by providing essential care and support throughout all stages of life.

Speaking at the Commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Midwife and the Flag-off of the 2025 International Nurses Week Celebration in Abuja, NANNM President Comrade Haruna Mamman emphasized the need for nurses and midwives to be respected, valued, and adequately supported.

“Our professional versatility, dedication, compassion, and resilience, especially in the face of challenges, no doubt deserve appreciation and recognition,” he stated.

The event’s theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future; Caring for Nurses, Strengthens Economies,” served as a reminder that nurses are not only essential to healthcare systems but are also drivers of national growth, productivity, and resilience.

“Investing in nurses implies investment in human capital and economic development,” Mamman noted.

He also urged nurses and midwives to address issues of negligence and negative attitudes in patient care, which have occasionally affected their professional image.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the standards we uphold are not just ideals but realities that every nurse and midwife embraces in their practice,” he added.

Mamman assured that NANNM is committed to promoting professionalism, continuous education, and ethical standards within its ranks.

As the International Nurses Week 2025 celebration commenced, he encouraged practitioners to commit to excellence in service delivery, inspiring trust and confidence in those they serve.

“We have opportunities to advocate for policies and environments that empower us, enhance our capabilities, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes for all Nigerians,” he emphasized.

The Acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, also acknowledged the crucial roles of nurses and midwives in the nation’s healthcare delivery.

“Nurses are the bedrock of our healthcare systems. They are the first faces we see in clinics and hospitals, the voices that reassure us in our darkest hours, and the hands that hold us as we heal,” he remarked.

Despite their indispensable roles, Alhassan noted that nurses’ needs are often overlooked in policy discussions, and their potential to drive economic growth remains underappreciated. He emphasized that investment in the nursing workforce is crucial for building healthy, equitable, and economically resilient health systems.

According to him, achieving this vision requires:

Improved salaries and benefits

Expanded training and education

Safe working conditions and inclusion in decision-making

Professional growth opportunities

Continuous education programs

Advanced specialization options

Support for mental health in the workplace

Both NANNM and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to championing the welfare and professional development of nurses and midwives across the nation.