Cairo, November 03 (QNA) - Arab League underscored today the importance of strengthening the role of nursing and midwifery to reduce the risk of healthcare worker migration, considering them to be the backbone of health systems.

In a statement to mark the Arab Nurses and Midwives Day which falls on November 3 each year, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazala, emphasized the importance of observing this day, which comes as an appreciation from the Arab Ministers of Health for the incredible efforts of nursing and midwifery personnel within the framework of enhancing healthcare services.

Dr. Abu Ghazala affirmed that the Council of Arab Ministers of Health, in its 60th session held in Geneva in 2024, endorsed the list for the award for the best distinguished work in nursing and midwifery professions in the Arab states, in recognition of their noble contributions.

She added that the first Arab conference on the role of Arab health professionals in supporting health systems in Arab countries, held last October, likewise highlighted the increasing migration of nursing and midwifery professionals from the Arab region.

This orientation requires attention and the establishment of a comprehensive, clear-eyed vision through which Arab states can reduce migration and encourage talented individuals to enhance their performance, ultimately providing the best possible healthcare to Arab health systems, said Dr. Abu Ghazala.

The Secretariat General of the Arab League has prepared the Arab Region Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Framework 2022-2030, in collaboration with the ministries of health of the member states, and in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)'s Arab States and the Regional Office of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean. This framework was endorsed by the Council of Arab Ministers of Health during its meeting in Geneva, Dr. Abu Ghazala highlighted.

She affirmed that the strategy outlines a set of priorities, directions, and relevant actions that serve as a roadmap for countries to guide them in developing their national implementation plans to enhance the advancement of the nursing and midwifery professions.

Dr. Abu Ghazala noted that the Secretariat General of the Arab League intends to support the member states to promote the health services through organizing workshops to follow up on the implementation of this strategy in coordination with the UNFPA's Arab states and WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. (QNA)