Cairo: The Arab League has highlighted the vital importance of bolstering the role of nursing and midwifery as a strategy to mitigate the migration of healthcare workers, acknowledging these professions as the backbone of health systems. In a statement marking Arab Nurses and Midwives Day, celebrated annually on November 3, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States, Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazala, stressed the significance of this observance, which recognizes the contributions of nursing and midwifery personnel in enhancing healthcare services.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Abu Ghazala stated that the Council of Arab Ministers of Health, during its 60th session in Geneva in 2024, approved a list for an award recognizing outstanding contributions in the nursing and midwifery fields across Arab states. This recognition underscores the noble contributions of these professions. Additionally, the first Arab conference on the role of Arab health professi
onals, held last October, brought attention to the increasing trend of migration among nursing and midwifery professionals from the Arab region.
Dr. Abu Ghazala emphasized the need for a comprehensive vision to curb migration and retain talent within the region. The Secretariat General of the Arab League has developed the Arab Region Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Framework 2022-2030, in collaboration with member states’ health ministries, the United Nations Population Fund’s Arab States, and the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. This framework, endorsed by the Council of Arab Ministers of Health, aims to guide national implementation plans to advance nursing and midwifery professions.
The strategy outlines key priorities and actions, serving as a roadmap for countries to enhance their healthcare systems. Dr. Abu Ghazala noted that the Secretariat General plans to support member states by organizing workshops in coordination with the UNFPA’s Arab states and WHO Regi
onal Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, to ensure effective implementation of the strategy.