According to departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale, nurses are the backbone of any healthcare system, serving as the main point of contact for patients and an important link between patients and the care they need.

“They also play a critical role in counselling and educating patients and their families about their health conditions, available treatment plans, and self-care strategies. Nurses continue to face various workplace safety threats in the line of duty, both physically and verbally, from patients and community members.

In recent months and years, the country has experienced disgraceful incidents of heinous acts involving robbery and sexual assault against nurses, mainly in primary health facilities.”

Foster added that the department recognises the importance of a healthy and well-supported nursing workforce in delivering quality healthcare services to achieve health outcomes, including increased life expectancy and reduced maternal, infant, and child mortality.

“For this reason, the department appeals to all stakeholders in society to join hands with the government, law enforcement agencies, and various community-based structures to make health facilities safer places for nurses to carry out their duties of caring for the sick and providing much- needed comprehensive healthcare without fear of becoming victims of crime.”

The 2025 International Nurses Day was commemorated under the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies”, which emphasises the significance of a healthy nursing workforce in providing high-quality care, improving healthcare systems, and increasing economic resilience on a global scale.