WHO Lauds Africa’s Nurses As Backbone Of Health Systems
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Africa’s nurses are being recognised for their unwavering commitment and critical role in delivering healthcare, often in the most challenging environments as the world marks International Nurses Day 2025.
In a message to commemorate the day, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, hailed nurses as “the foundation of our health systems,” noting they make up nearly 70% of the health workforce.
This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Health Systems and Economies,” highlights the urgent need to invest in nursing education, fair pay, leadership, and safe working conditions.
The recently released State of the World’s Nursing Report 2025 revealed that while Africa’s nursing numbers have nearly doubled since 2018, the region still faces one of the world’s lowest nurse-to-population ratios.
With a projected shortfall of 6.1 million health workers in Africa by 2030 66% of them nurses Dr Ihekweazu warned of growing threats to healthcare access unless meaningful investment is made.
Despite challenges such as emigration, underemployment, and limited career pathways, he said there is hope citing the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, adopted in 2024, and promising country-led initiatives like Zimbabwe’s Investment Compact signal a shift towards sustainable solutions.
Dr Ihekweazu, urged leaders to go beyond celebration and commit to building a future where nurses are trained, protected, respected and empowered to lead.
