Amman, May 18 (Petra) — HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein called for greater global investment in nursing as she participated in the official launch of the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, a joint initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

Speaking via a recorded message during a global event marking International Nurses Day, Princess Muna, who serves as Patron of Nursing and Midwifery in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and President of the Jordanian Nursing Council, underscored the pivotal role of nurses in achieving universal health coverage. She emphasized that investing strategically in nursing is not optional, but essential for strengthening health systems worldwide.

The launch event featured global and regional discussions, including a session titled “The Nursing Challenge Now – 21st Century Nursing: Perspectives from the Eastern Mediterranean,” and a regional celebration hosted by the UAE Ministry of Health.

Princess Muna noted that the 2025 report highlights both accomplishments and challenges within the profession, affirming that nurses are not only caregivers but also core partners in building resilient health systems. She urged policymakers to adopt reforms that enhance nursing education, create safe and fair working environments, and expand the scope of advanced nursing roles in healthcare institutions.

She also pointed to Jordan as a regional example of nursing empowerment, praising the performance of Jordanian nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and stating that their dedication deserves continued recognition and support.

According to the report, countries that invest in nursing see a 25% improvement in key healthcare quality indicators. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement that addressing global inequality in nursing is urgent. “This report shows us where we’ve come from, where we are, and how far we must go. The time to act is now,” he said.

ICN President Pamela Cipriano called for global recognition of nurses as drivers of health reform, while ICN CEO Howard Catton highlighted persistent issues such as workforce shortages and unequal distribution of nursing personnel. He stressed that closing these gaps will require immediate and sustained investment.

Nursing leaders from around the world used the platform to call for better working conditions, fair pay, improved mental health support, enhanced education systems, and greater leadership opportunities for nurses. The integration of digital technology in nursing was also identified as a key future priority.

Rowida Al-Ma’aytah, Health and Development Advisor to Princess Muna, delivered a keynote address at both the global event and the regional celebration. She highlighted Jordan’s continued commitment to advancing nursing as a national priority, aligning with the vision of Princess Muna and the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare transformation,” Al-Ma’aytah said, noting that Jordan’s partnerships and policy efforts serve as a regional model. “Their resilience and commitment will continue to drive sustainable health progress in the region.”

//Petra// RZ
18/05/2025 11:27:34