The Challenge

The world is facing a growing shortage of health workers, which threatens efforts to make sure everyone can access the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. This is compounded by the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases, the climate crisis and migration. By 2030, the WHO predicts a global shortage of 18 million health workers, half of which are nurses and midwives.

To achieve Universal Health Coverage and global gender equality, countries must invest in nurses and midwives, providing them with the resources and training they need to tackle the most pressing health issues and promoting them to leadership positions.

The Approach

In February 2018, GHS supported Nursing Now, a three-year global campaign which aims to improve health by raising the profile and status of nurses and midwives.

Concluding in 2020, the official Year of the Nurse and Midwife, Nursing Now aims to influence policymakers at all levels to support nurses and midwives to lead, learn and build a global movement.

The Impact

Over eighty countries across the world now have active Nursing Now groups, involving advocates, young nurse leaders, health ministry representatives and public health experts. Event highlights have included the global campaign launch at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, a workshop for young nurse leaders at World Health Assembly 2019 and the launch of a report on investing in nurses at the WISH Conference in Qatar.