Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, affirmed that nurses and midwives are not only the first line of defense in healthcare, but also the cornerstone of resilient and sustainable health systems in the face of mounting challenges. She emphasized that investing in and protecting these vital personnel is no longer an option, but an urgent necessity to ensure a safe and sustainable health future in the region and the world.
Historical background and global significance
Dr. Balkhi's remarks came during a recent webinar held to celebrate International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, two annual occasions that aim to highlight the invaluable contributions of these professions. Historically, modern nursing is closely associated with Florence Nightingale, who established the foundations of compassionate and scientifically grounded healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated to the world the heroic role played by nurses and midwives, who stood on the front lines, risking their lives to save others, thus underscoring their irreplaceable importance.
Ongoing pressures and serious challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean region
Dr. Balkhi explained that health systems in the region are facing immense pressure and a severe shortage of qualified personnel, with three countries in the region failing to meet the minimum required density of health workers to provide basic services. These challenges are exacerbated by the ongoing crises and conflicts plaguing the region. A recent report revealed that 42% of all attacks on healthcare facilities worldwide in 2023 occurred in the region, and health workers were the victims in 67% of these horrific incidents, making the working environment extremely dangerous and increasing the psychological and physical burdens on healthcare workers.
WHO strategy to support health workers
To address these circumstances, the Regional Director noted that the World Health Organization has made investing in the health workforce one of its key initiatives. The organization's efforts are based on several strategic pillars, including:
- Transforming education and training: Focusing on updating educational curricula and adopting digital learning methods to ensure the graduation of qualified personnel equipped with the necessary skills.
- Supporting primary health care: Directing resources to strengthen primary care services and essential public health functions, to ensure access to services for all residents, especially in the most underserved areas.
- Strengthening governance and professional standards: Working to strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure accountability and adherence to the highest professional standards, with a particular focus on supporting young and newly qualified professionals to meet career challenges.
Future impact: Towards more resilient health systems
The call for investment in nursing and midwifery staff goes beyond simply addressing staffing shortages; it is a direct investment in regional and global health security. A strong, motivated, and supported healthcare workforce directly contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being. Dr. Balkhi concluded by emphasizing that these staff members cannot continue to shoulder this immense burden without genuine recognition of their role and sustained investment that guarantees their rights and safety. She asserted that such collective efforts are the path to building a healthier future for all.
