The Executive Mayor, Geoff Makhubo has applauded the bravery of the City’s nursing workforce in all 79 clinics in the metro, thanking them for being on the frontline of combating the spread of the infectious Covid-19 pandemic.
Amid the global outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus, Makhubo has – in a moving tribute – described the City’s nurses as “amazing,” adding that they dedicate their lives to ensuring the municipality’s healthcare system is on par with its counterparts in the world.
The Mayor made these remarks on Tuesday, 12 May, observed annually as International Day of the Nurse. “Thank you to our amazing nurses, we truly appreciate you,” said Makhubo, urging all Joburgers to honour the heroic work of nurses by staying safe at home and maintaining hygienic etiquette during the lockdown.
Echoing Makhubo, the City’s portfolio head of Health and Social Development, Eunice Mgcina said residents should use International Day of the Nurse to show gratitude to healthcare professionals for providing high-quality treatment and care.
MMC Mgcina said the City’s nurses are selfless. “They put their lives on the line daily to serve our people. I salute you and pledge my unwavering support. It is my fervent hope that you will remain true to your calling,” she said.
She added that the City’s nurses demonstrate resilience and fortitude in carrying out their duties with passion, and continue to press forward energetically in the face of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. “I have seen that commitment in you and I remain humbled by your selfishness and dedication,” she said, adding “without you, the entire healthcare system would collapse”.
Commemorated annually, International Day of the Nurse highlights the importance of nurses in the healthcare system, thanking the healthcare professionals for their work. This year’s occasion observes the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing under the theme: “Nursing the World to Health”.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nurses account for more than half of all the world’s healthcare workers. Notwithstanding, there’s a global shortage of at least 5.9 million nurses, with greatest gaps in Africa, Southeast Asia, countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, and some in Latin America.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the vital role nurses play. Without nurses and other healthcare workers, we will not win the battle against outbreaks, we will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals or universal health coverage,” the organisation wrote on its website.
The WHO emphasised that the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus reinforces the need for investment in nursing jobs, education and leadership. “By developing their nursing workforces, countries can achieve the triple impact of improving health, promoting gender equality and supporting economic growth.”
