South Sudan Honors Nurses and Midwives as Pillars of National Health at Joint Celebration
The courtyard of Juba Teaching Hospital was alive with pride and gratitude Monday as South Sudan commemorated the International Day of the Midwife (IDM) and International Nurses Day (IND) in a joint national event. The celebration underscored the vital contributions of nurses and midwives in strengthening the country’s healthcare system amid ongoing challenges.
Under the global themes “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis” and “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,” health workers, government officials, development partners, and international representatives gathered to honor those on the frontline of saving lives and promoting health across South Sudan.
In a goodwill message, the UNFPA Officer-in-Charge praised nurses and midwives as “the backbone of South Sudan’s health system,” emphasizing their resilience despite facing conflicts, natural disasters, and infrastructural deficits. She stated, “When we invest in midwives and nurses, we invest in healthier mothers, safer deliveries, empowered girls, and stronger health systems. They are not only essential health workers but also leaders, change-makers, and nation-builders.”
The President of the South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association (SSNAMA) highlighted the extraordinary efforts of healthcare workers, especially during emergencies such as the 2022 floods in Unity and Jonglei States. He recounted how midwives navigated perilous terrain in tents, boats, and makeshift clinics to deliver maternal care.
“Midwives and nurses are not just caregivers—they are first responders, public health educators, and community protectors,” he said. “They are the heart of our healthcare system and deserve recognition, protection, and investment.”
The celebration also recognized the ongoing support from the Ministry of Health and international partners, including Canada and Norway, for their efforts in strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce. Speakers called for improvements in pay, training, working conditions, and mental health support to retain and motivate health workers nationwide.
As South Sudan continues its journey of healthcare reconstruction, stakeholders emphasized that building a resilient, well-supported health workforce is essential to achieving universal health coverage and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
Concluding the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to championing the rights, welfare, and professional development of nurses and midwives. The celebration ended with a rallying cry: “Long live our midwives and nurses. Long live South Sudan!”
