The journey from evidence to reality begins with a strong foundation in education

UNFPA humanitarian coordinator Mr. Hussein Hassen, speaking during IDM celebrations at Al-Sabah Children's Hospital

Juba: “The world is going digital, our nurses and midwives need to be empowered with digital skills to be able to generate evidence, the roles of nurses and midwives are undeniable” These were the words of the undersecretary of the national ministry of Health, Dr. Victoria Anib Majur during the national event to mark the International Day of Nurses and Midwives 2023 in Al Sabah children’s hospital

Nurses and midwives in South Sudan under their umbrella body, South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association (SSNAMA) through their president used the occasion to call for better pay and working conditions throughout the country.

They decried that they are overworked and underpaid, a sentiment the undersecretary lauded them for, saying that she is aware of the tough conditions the nursing and midwifery cadre is going through, “ I know you are volunteering because you are paid little, but still you have not given up, but I must emphasize, Nurses and midwives are an important asset of health professionals, without well-trained nurses and midwives, we won't reduce maternal morbidity, therefore you are the malaikatul Rahmah! Angels of blessings” she said amidst cheers and ululations from the crowd

UNFPA humanitarian coordinator Mr. Hussein Hassen ,who represented the UNFPA Deputy Representative at the event said that “the journey from evidence to reality begins with a strong foundation in education” He stressed that Investing in the education of nurses and midwives empowers these health care professionals and ensures that they are equipped with the most current, evidence-based knowledge and skills.

Aber Evaline, a former UN Volunteer with UNFPA, who currently volunteers at the Juba Teaching Hospital, said, celebrating the International Day of Nurses and Midwives brings fond memories of her days while working with UNFPA, but again was quick to say that the nursing profession is a noble one for her and more reason she is still volunteering, “ From day one, I have been working at Juba Teaching Hospital, babies have been named after me, this is a profession I love and I will continue to serve” said Aber

This year’s theme for international nurses’ day, according to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), is, ‘Our nurses, our future’ and it is a global campaign that aims to address global health challenges and achieve better global health for all. The theme for international day of the midwife, according to the International Confederation of Midwives was “Together again: from evidence to reality.”

The Director General for Nursing and Midwifery at the national Ministry of Health, Rev. Janet Michael also urged the government to look at the welfare of nurses and midwives in the country, “The leadership needs to increase the health budget, the government needs to give a decent budget allocation and provide a good working environment for nurses and midwives, a healthy nation is dependent on healthy citizens, well- skilled nurses leads to fewer complications” she noted

Reverend Janet observed that ambulances whirling with sirens in the streets of Juba are carrying dead bodies instead of carrying pregnant women to health facilities, “our ambulances are carrying dead people, there is no emergency in carrying a dead body, but there is an emergency in carrying a pregnant woman to a health facility, we need to reserve this trend, ambulances need to be used for emergencies such that we can reduce maternal morbidity” she added

South Sudan at independence had only eight qualified midwives but with support from donors, including Canada, Sweden, Norway, Japan, USAID, and ECHO, the country now boasts of over 2000 nurses and midwives. UNFPA continues to provide technical assistance and support for midwifery and nursing programmes and services across the country.

The journey from evidence to reality begins with a strong foundation in education.

They decried that they are overworked and underpaid, a sentiment the undersecretary lauded them for, saying that she is aware of the tough conditions the nursing and midwifery cadre is going through, “ I know you are volunteering because you are paid little but still you have not given up, but I must emphasize, Nurses and midwives are an important asset of health professionals, without well-trained nurses and midwives, we won't reduce maternal morbidity, therefore you are the malaikatul Rahmah! Angels of blessings” she said amidst cheers and ululations from the crowd

UNFPA humanitarian coordinator Mr. Hussein Hassen who represented the UNFPA Deputy Representative at the event said that “the journey from evidence to reality begins with a strong foundation in education” He stressed that Investing in the education of nurses and midwives empowers these healthcare professionals and ensures that they are equipped with the most current, evidence-based knowledge and skills.

South Sudan at independence had only eight qualified midwives but with support from donors including Canada, Sweden, Norway, Japan, USAID, and ECHO, the country now boasts of over 2000 nurses and midwives. UNFPA continues to provide technical assistance and support for midwifery and nursing programmes and services across the country.

Nurses and Midwives pose for a group photo during the IDM celebrations at Al-Sabah Children's hospital