Nurses are the backbone of global healthcare— and WHO wants stronger support for them now. Get to know how.

WHO CALLS FOR GLOBAL INVESTMENT IN NURSES AHEAD OF INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY

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As the world prepares to mark International Nurses Day     on 12 May, the World Health Organization has called on governments to strengthen investment in nursing education and lifelong learning, warning that global health systems depend heavily on the profession.
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‎The appeal comes ahead of International Nurses Day, a global observance that recognises the contribution of nurses who often serve as the first and last point of care for patients in hospitals and communities.
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‎According to the WHO, there are nearly 30 million nurses worldwide, making them the largest group of health workers globally. The organisation says this workforce is central to delivering safe, effective and people-centred healthcare across all countries.
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‎The organization is urging that nurses should have access to continuous learning opportunities throughout their careers, regardless of location or level of experience. It says such training is essential to keep pace with evolving health challenges and to improve patient care outcomes.
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‎The call is being supported through the WHO Academy, which provides free online courses for health professionals. The platform is designed to equip nurses and other health workers with updated knowledge and practical skills based on global standards and evidence-based practice.
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‎Health experts say strengthening nursing education is critical to building resilient health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where workforce gaps remain significant.

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‎The organization further emphasised that investing in nurses is ultimately an investment in healthier communities, noting that better-trained health workers lead to improved access to care, stronger health systems, and better patient outcomes.