Commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Midwife and the Flag Off of 2025 International Nurses Week in Nigeria

By Comrade Amb Victor Monday Olajide 

In 2025, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) set the stage for an impactful commemoration of the International Day of the Midwife, coinciding with the flag off of the International Nurses Week. The theme, "Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis," reflects the growing recognition of the integral roles that midwives and nurses play in not only improving maternal and infant health outcomes but also in crisis response, particularly in the context of ongoing health challenges in Nigeria.

The significance of this year’s theme cannot be overstated. Midwives are frontline health workers who provide essential care during times of crisis, including natural disasters, pandemics, and conflicts. Their unique skill set and experience equip them to address the complexities of maternal and child health during emergencies. The commemoration was an opportunity for stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public, to engage in a critical dialogue about enhancing the midwifery workforce to effectively respond to crises in Nigeria.

The National President of NANNM, Haruna Mamman, delivered a poignant address that highlighted the importance of the nursing profession within the healthcare system. He emphasized that nurses and midwives form the backbone of primary healthcare and that strengthening this workforce is essential for effective crisis management. With a continually growing population and suboptimal health outcomes, Nigeria faces significant challenges in meeting the healthcare needs of its citizens. President Mamman called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to build a sustainable, skilled nursing and midwifery workforce capable of responding to both routine health needs and emergencies.

One of the critical issues raised during the dialogue was the alarming trend of nurse migration, which poses a considerable threat to the healthcare system in Nigeria. President Mamman outlined the factors contributing to this phenomenon, including inadequate working conditions, low salaries, and limited career advancement opportunities. He urged stakeholders to address these root causes to stem the rise of nurse migration, emphasizing that “Our Nurses, Our Future.” By investing in the nursing profession, improving workplace conditions, and creating pathways for career development, Nigeria can retain its skilled healthcare workforce.

The sub-theme “Our Nurses, Our Future” further underscores the need to recognize and support the contributions of nurses in ensuring a resilient healthcare system. The dialogue emphasized that retaining skilled nurses is vital not only for immediate healthcare needs but also for long-term health outcomes. A robust nursing workforce can significantly mitigate the effects of crises on health systems, ensuring that mothers and children receive the care they need even in difficult circumstances.

The commemorative events also served as a platform to launch initiatives aimed at strengthening training and education for midwives and nurses. This includes an appeal for increased investment in midwifery education programs to empower future generations of midwives and nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to crises effectively. It was advocated that partnerships with educational institutions and healthcare organizations be strengthened to promote innovative training approaches that are responsive to the changing health landscape.

In conclusion, the 2025 International Day of the Midwife and the flag off of the International Nurses Week orchestrated by NANNM highlighted the indispensable role of midwives and nurses in health crisis management. Under the leadership of President Haruna Mamman, there was a strong call for collaborative action to enhance the nursing and midwifery workforce in Nigeria while addressing the pressing issue of nurse migration. Strengthening these critical healthcare professions is not merely a regulatory need; it is a moral imperative for the nation's health security and the well-being of its people. As we move forward, it remains crucial to recognize that investing in our nurses and midwives is investing in our future.

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