International Nurses Day 2019

International Nurses Day 2019
Nurse caring for elderly patient

Nurses have made important strides and we have a lot to celebrate in 2019. On 8 May 2019, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) will launch a new publication on Strategic Direction for Nursing in the Region of the Americas. Join us to commemorate the International Nurses Day.

The purpose of the event is to discuss nursing leadership and the strategic direction for nursing in the Region of the Americas. The discussion is within the framework of the Year of the Nurse, which will be celebrated by the World Health Organization in 2020, and the Nursing Now global campaign.

What: International Nurse's Day Celebrations

When: 8 May, 2019

Time: 13:30 - 17:30 (EST)

Where: Join through livestreaming:

 English |  Spanish | Portuguese

Background

Universal Health requires solid health systems, supported by motivated and distributed health personnel with an appropriate combination of skills, resulting in quality services based on the population’s needs. Since nurses make up most of the health personnel, it is evident that nursing plays an important role in the context of Universal Health.

In 2017 PAHO/WHO launched the Strategy on Human Resources for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage and in 2018 an action plan was developed. Both documents are intended to guide Member States in developing human resources policies and plans, in accordance with these principles and within a regional context.

In 2016, WHO has launched the Global Strategic Directions for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery 2016-2020, which followed an extensive consultative process with the vision of accessible, quality, and cost-effective nursing and midwifery care for all based on population needs, in support of universal health coverage and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The vision of the Strategic Direction of Nursing in the Region of the Americas is in line with the aforementioned global strategic directions and the PAHO/WHO strategy on human resources. It is a day to celebrate and to stimulate discussion on the status of nursing in the Region of the Americas.