NURSES AND MIDWIVES: THE BACKBONE OF HEALTHCARE

Every year on May 12th, we celebrate International Nurses' Day (IND). This year, on May 12, 2024, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and dedication of nurses and midwives at Bwindi Community Hospital (BCH), student nurses and midwives at Uganda Nursing School Bwindi (UNSB), and all nurses and midwives worldwide.

These dedicated professionals are the backbone of Uganda's healthcare system, tirelessly working to ensure the well-being of patients and communities. Nurses and Midwives are often the first point of contact for patients when they enter a healthcare facility, providing compassionate care, comfort, and support, as well as the last throughout the entire care process.

My name is Ampeire Anita, a nurse at BCH who trained at UNSB. I take pleasure in celebrating the nurses at BCH, UNSB, and Uganda as a whole. My interest in studying nursing stemmed from a desire to understand how the body works, what causes illnesses, and how they can be treated - inspired by my mother's illness.

I believe I made the right choice in pursuing nursing. It not only provides me with a livelihood but also allows me to understand the causes of diseases, prevent illness within my household, neighborhood, and community, while also treating and restoring their health.

Nurses and Midwives play a crucial role in the healthcare continuum, from conducting community outreach programs focused on prevention and health education, to providing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation in hospitals, clinics, and patients' homes. Our skills and expertise are diverse, ranging from critical care and emergency nursing to midwifery, research, pediatric and palliative care, and public health.

Despite facing challenges such as heavy workloads, inadequate resources, risk of occupational diseases, and emotional burnout, nurses and midwives continue to rise above. Motivated by our passion for caring and making a difference, we strive to save lives in emergencies and provide emotional support when needed. We are the unsung heroes of healthcare.

On this International Nurses' Day, I am grateful for all the nurses and midwives at Bwindi, the hospital management, and the directorate of Nursing and Midwifery Services, who believe that our work goes beyond duty; it is a calling from God to love and serve.

I urge the Ministry of Health Uganda and all stakeholders to acknowledge the need for continued support and investment in the nursing and midwifery workforce. By doing so, we will empower these dedicated professionals to continue providing exceptional care and making a difference at Bwindi Community Hospital specifically and beyond.

Happy International Nurses' Day to all nurses and midwives at BCH and around the world!