International Nurses Day 2018

Nurses: A voice to lead – Health is a Human Right

Nurses are essential in transforming health care and health systems such that no person is left behind, is without access to care or impoverished because of their need for health care.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) believes that health is a human right.  We are at the forefront of advocating for access to health care and nurses are key to delivering it. Ensuring that we have enough nurses and other health care workers is a critical enabler of the human right to health.

Nurses can be a voice to lead by supporting a people-centric approach to care and the health care system, and by ensuring that their voices are heard in influencing health policies, planning, and provision. They are key in achieving the right to health for everyone; no matter the location, no matter the setting.

Health care systems are an essential element of a healthy and equitable society. When health is viewed as a human right, there is a demand for us to take action and a responsibility to enable access to a quality health care system. This belief should be the cornerstone of an effective system and the benefits of this will ultimately flow to communities and countries.

The right to health is more than just a catch phrase for health workers, civil society groups and non-governmental organizations in an effort to positively change the world. In the majority of cases, the right to health is a legal instrument that can be used to hold governments and the international community to account. It can and it should be used as a constructive tool for the health care sector to provide the best care for individuals, communities and populations (ICN).

The Significance of International Nurses Day

Nurse’s day is celebrated annually on 12th of May to commemorate the birth anniversary of the modern nursing founder, Florence Nightingale. Nurses have a deep practical knowledge of delivering best health care services. Nursing associations play important roles in working with governments and non-governmental organizations to strengthen health care systems as well as create conditions maximizing nurse’s contribution. The International Council of Nurses celebrates this event and aims to increase public awareness about nursing and nurse’s contributions to health care innovation and creativity.

In 2018 it is now time to stand together and speak as one. We must speak louder and clearer. With the resources that we currently have available to us, it is no longer acceptable to deny any human the right to quality health care. Make 2018 your year to be a voice to lead, health is a human right.

Lenmed salutes the nurses of this country who despite daily pressures and challenges, continue to prioritize the healing journey of their patients and continue to keep the lamp of Florence Nightingale burning bright.