Press Release 2/2013 International Nurses’ Day- 2013
10 May 2013 ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL International Nurses day is celebrated annually on 12th May to commemorate the birth of Florence Nightingale who made a significant contribution towards the nursing profession. This day also presents nurses globally with an opportunity to remember and reflect on the meaning and value of their contribution in the delivery of health care.
The South African Nursing Council, as the statutory body has developed a range of enabling instruments for nurses to take a lead towards the achievement of the United Nations health related Millennium Development Goals (4, 5 and 6) which focuses on the reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. As carers in the coalface of disease; pain; helplessness and despair, I am also grateful that working together we have indeed made remarkable strides in many areas including the notable successes in reversing the tide of HIV and AIDS. Today our country under the leadership guidance of Honourable President Jacob Zuma is hailed as a shining example having succeeded in putting more than 1, 7 million people on life saving Antiretroviral treatment; on bringing in more than 20 million people to test for HIV and most remarkably reducing the mother to child transmission rate from 8% in 2008 to 3.5 per cent in 2010 and to 2.7 per cent in 2011. One thing is certain, the above could not have been achieved without the involvement of appropriately skilled committed and compassionate nurses. Today as we celebrate this all important day we also need to be mindful of the fact that our country has a responsibility as directed by the African Union under the auspices of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) to ensure that indeed, “No Woman Should Die While Giving Life!” Again midwives of our country have the expertise, skills and clinical acumen to ensure that both the mother and the new-bon baby come out alive and well to be celebrated as a gift to their families. Our work as nurses in this country is never going to be an easy one due to the fact that the South African health system is predominantly nurse driven. On behalf of SANC, I salute and commend those nurses who regardless of all challenges encountered within the health care system, still prioritize the wellbeing of the patients. Thus contributing the long and healthy life for all. ENDS Issued by The Chairperson: Dr JN Makhanya The South African Nursing Council For more information contact: Ms Party Day Moloi Tel : 012 426 9542 / 083 496 8366 |
© 2004 - 2020 South African Nursing Council (Under the provisions of the Nursing Act, 2005) |
