On the occasion of International Nurses Day, the Malta Council of Nurses and Midwives extended its heartfelt appreciation to all nurses Maltese, and foreign nurses practising in Malta. This year's theme, chosen by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), "Caring for nurses strengthens economies," is both timely and appropriate, the council said.

A strong, knowledgeable, and professional nursing workforce is essential in building a healthier, more productive population. Nurses are the backbone of our national healthcare system. Their critical contributions to disease prevention, health promotion and health literacy play a key role not only in improving public health but also in reducing the overall disease burden on our economy. A healthy population drives economic productivity, and nurses are at the forefront in creating and maintaining a healthy population. This continues to underscore the direct contribution of the nursing profession to our economy, the council said.

One of the greatest global challenges we face today is the severe shortage of nurses. Countries are grappling with the difficult task of recruiting and retaining qualified nursing professionals. While nurses are known for their tireless dedication to caring for others, it is important that healthcare systems take the necessary initiatives to care for their nurses. Nurses work in highly demanding and often stressful environments, facing physical, emotional, and ethical challenges that increase the risk of burnout, fatigue, and mental health strain. This year's theme rightly emphasizes the importance of supporting the wellbeing and health of our nurses.

!Malta is fortunate to have a highly skilled and specialised nursing workforce. Nurses play a vital role in the day-to-day functioning of our healthcare system. In many cases, they are the first and most consistent point of contact for patients. Our hospitals and clinical settings are largely led and managed by nurses, who often spend more time with patients than any other healthcare professional," the council said.