Nurses are recognized as the essential support of healthcare systems throughout the Pacific, as underscored during the Pacific Heads of Nursing and Midwifery Meeting held in Nadi. Pacific health leaders convened to confront significant challenges currently affecting the healthcare sectors in the region.
Hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC), this three-day meeting focuses on developing strategies to bolster the nursing and midwifery workforce. Kathryn Zeitz, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian College of Nursing, emphasized in her keynote address the crucial role that nurses and midwives play. “Our people need us more than ever,” Zeitz stated, adding that the ongoing efforts would pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for Pacific communities.
Selena Motofaga from SPC’s Department of Public Health highlighted a pressing concern: while nurses constitute about 75% of the global health workforce, the World Health Organization predicts a significant shortage of 4.5 million nurses and 0.31 million midwives by 2030. Motofaga pointed to the ongoing migration of healthcare workers as a critical issue affecting the Pacific. “We are experiencing an exodus of nurses from health due to migration and other reasons, which remains one of our key issues,” she noted.
The migration of healthcare professionals was a central theme throughout the discussions, with many Pacific nations reporting increased outflows of healthcare workers to countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Zeitz stressed the need for collaborative measures across borders, stating that the challenges faced by Pacific healthcare systems are mirrored globally. “No country or region can solve these challenges alone,” she said, urging collective efforts to devise sustainable solutions.
In light of these challenges, the meeting illustrates the commitment of Pacific health leaders to work together to improve healthcare delivery and support for healthcare workers. This collaboration signals a hopeful path forward, promising ongoing enhancements to the health systems that are critical for the well-being of Pacific communities.
Overall, there is optimism that through these collective actions and innovative strategies, the Pacific region can not only address current healthcare challenges but also cultivate a resilient and robust healthcare workforce for the future.
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