Washington, D.C., May 11, 2026 (PAHO) — For International Nurses Day (May 12), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling on countries in the Americas to take decisive action to strengthen and expand the area of advanced practice nursing, which is a key strategy to improve access to health services and build stronger, more people-centered health systems.
With nearly 7.4 million professionals, nurses represent the largest group in the health workforce of the Americas. They are on the front lines promoting health, preventing disease, managing chronic conditions and supporting communities, especially in rural and remote areas where physicians are scarce.
“Promoting advanced practice nursing, strengthening its role in primary health care, incorporating innovation and digital technologies, and increasing nurses’ participation in public policymaking are essential actions to improve access, quality and sustainability of care,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO.
Advanced practice nurses are professionals with specialized training able take on greater clinical responsibilities with autonomy, including assessing, diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients and communities.
Worldwide, over 100 countries have incorporated these expanded roles. In the Americas, Canada and the United States have established advanced practice nursing models, while several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are moving forward with the development of regulatory frameworks, training programs and new models of care.
Evidence shows that when given greater autonomy and support, advanced practice nurses help improve access to services, strengthen continuity of care, and increase patient satisfaction through a more people-centered and compassionate approach.
Implementation challenges include outdated regulatory frameworks, limited availability of specialized training, and resistance to adapting traditional models of care delivery.
PAHO is working with countries across the region to address these barriers by supporting health workforce planning, interprofessional health teams, and the development of modern regulatory frameworks centered on individuals, families and communities.
Expanding the role of nursing is a matter of efficiency and a strategic opportunity to advance toward universal health coverage in the Americas while improving the response to the population’s real health needs.
