Namibia’s nurses the ‘heartbeat of healthcare’

Nurses are the heartbeat of the country’s healthcare facilities.

This was said by Tuwilika Endjala, the head of the University of Namibia’s community health department, and a senior lecturer at the university’s School of Nursing and Public Health, during an International Nurses Day event on Friday

The day is celebrated on 12 May each year, commemorating the birth of Florence Nightingale.

“Nurses are the frontline workers who selflessly devote themselves to the care and well-being of others, often going above and beyond the call of duty,” Endjala said.

She said this year’s theme is ‘Our Nurses, The Future, The Economic Power of Care’.

The theme highlights the important role nurses play in not only delivering quality services, but also in shaping the future of healthcare through leadership, innovation and advocacy.

“As we reflect on the invaluable contributions of nurses, let us also take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for their efforts, especially in times of unprecedented challenges,” Endjala said.

Speaking at the same event, Epafras Anjolo, another lecturer at Unam’s School of Nursing and Public Health, said although doctors diagnose and prescribe medicine, nurses take on the responsibility of taking care of patients.

“On this special day, let us thank all the nurses around the globe for their service to the community,” he said.

Anjolo said the theme of this year’s celebration would provide a better understanding of the role nurses play in the healthcare system.