Africa cannot build strong health systems without investing in nurses, midwives

ZANZIBAR: WHEN a woman arrives at a health facility in labour, anxious about what lies ahead, one of the first professionals she is likely to encounter is a nurse or midwife. When a newborn needs immediate attention, a patient with a chronic illness requires continuing care, or an emergency suddenly occurs, nurses and midwives are often among those standing closest to the patient.

Their presence extends far beyond hospital wards. They work in health centres, communities, schools, workplaces and homes, providing care, education, monitoring and support. Yet despite this central role, their contribution can sometimes remain less visible than the challenges confronting health systems.