The importance of nursing and midwifery staff in the resilience of health systems | World Health Organization
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean, affirmed that nurses and midwives represent the largest and most important pillar of the health workforce. She emphasized the necessity of investing in and protecting these professionals to ensure the future of health in the region. This came during her opening remarks at the online symposium held to commemorate the International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, under the theme "Investing in, Empowering, and Protecting Nurses and Midwives to Save Lives."
Historical roots and global celebration of care efforts
Historically, healthcare professions have been associated with sacrifice and dedication. International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12th each year to commemorate the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, while International Midwives Day is celebrated on May 5th to highlight their vital role in reducing maternal and newborn mortality. Over the decades, these professionals have proven to be the backbone of any medical response, from historical epidemics to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where they were at the forefront, bearing the brunt of patient care and infection control protocols, reflecting a long legacy of resilience and human dedication.
Constant pressure and a severe shortage of staff
Dr. Balkhi explained that health systems in the region face constant pressure and a severe shortage of medical personnel. Statistics indicate that approximately one-third of the countries in the region fall below the minimum required to guarantee the provision of basic services. The report revealed that these challenges are severely exacerbated by crises and armed conflicts; in 2025, 42% of global attacks on healthcare facilities occurred within the region. Health workers were the victims in 67% of these incidents, making frontline work fraught with immense physical and psychological risks.
Regional and international impact of supporting nursing and midwifery staff
The strategic importance of supporting nursing and midwifery staff extends beyond local boundaries to encompass a wide-ranging regional and international impact. Locally, empowering these professionals contributes to improving the quality of primary healthcare and reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Regionally and internationally, building a resilient health workforce is the first line of defense against cross-border outbreaks and ensures the stability of global health security. Investing in this sector is not merely an operational cost; it is an economic and social investment that mitigates the financial burdens resulting from the collapse of health systems during crises and disasters.
Adapting to the dynamics of the healthy labor market
The regional director noted that the organization has made investing in the health workforce one of its key initiatives, supporting countries in human resource planning that aligns with the dynamics of the changing labor market. The center reported that current efforts are focused on fundamentally transforming education and training methods, including adopting digital learning, and directing support towards primary healthcare and essential public health functions to ensure access to medical care in the most underserved and marginalized locations and communities.
Enhancing professional standards and protecting young talent
Balkhi revealed the organization's focus on strengthening its structure and governance to ensure accountability and the application of the highest professional standards, with a particular emphasis on supporting young and newly qualified professionals to cope with uncertainty and demanding workloads. She stressed that medical personnel cannot continue to bear this heavy burden without genuine recognition of their pivotal role and the provision of sustainable investment that protects their rights and ensures a safe working environment. She considered this symposium a golden opportunity to bolster collective efforts and build a qualified workforce that will lead the future of health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region towards greater stability and prosperity.
