Global call to strengthen nursing and midwifery: WHA74.15 resolution sets strategic directions
May 16, 2025
Professor Dr Salizar Mohamed Ludin, Kulliyah of Nursing, International Islamic University, Malaysia highlighting the four strategic pillars to address the nursing crisis at the recent International Nurses Day celebration in Kuantan, Pahang, organized by the Malaysian Nurses Association.
Nurses form the backbone of healthcare systems around the world, yet the global nursing shortage remains a persistent issue, threatening not only health outcomes but also economic stability. As the world grapples with the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the nursing workforce crisis has become more crucial than ever.
Global nursing crisis: A workforce on the brink Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), highlighted during the Asia Workforce Forum (AWFF) 2024 that nearly 29 million nurses work globally. However, the demand far exceeds this number, with six million positions remaining unfilled even before the pandemic. Alarmingly, 89% of these shortages affect low and lower-middle-income countries. This issue is not just confined to the global stage. In Malaysia, the nursing shortage is projected to hit 60% by 2030, as reported by the Health Minister. The ICN's International Nurses Day Report 2025 further underscores the gravity of the situation, revealing that 61.7% of National Nursing Associations (NNAs) have reported an increased workload since 2021, while 48.4% observed a significant rise in nurses leaving the profession. Additionally, 61% of nurses report moderate to extreme job strain—double the average across all occupations. Shockingly, 86.2% of NNAs cited incidents of violence against nurses, with one-third of countries lacking protective policies. A call for global action The 22nd Asia Workforce Forum (AWFF) 2024 stressed the need for immediate action to support the nursing workforce. Strengthening the nursing sector is fundamental not only for Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals but also to ensure patient safety and healthcare system sustainability. Strategic directions from WHO "The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively addressing the nursing crisis through several key initiatives. The World Health Assembly Resolution WHA74.15 (2021) urged member states to enhance nursing and midwifery through the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (SDNM) 2021-2025," says Professor Dr Salizar Mohamed Ludin Kulliyah of Nursing, International Islamic University, Malaysia. She said this at the recent International Nurses Day celebration in Kuantan, Pahang, organized by the Malaysian Nurses Association. The four strategic pillars include:
Economic impact of investing in nurses Investing in the nursing workforce brings economic benefits that extend beyond healthcare. By reducing healthcare costs through preventive care, promoting productivity through improved health outcomes, and fostering job creation within the healthcare sector, nursing investment boosts the overall economy. Studies have shown that a 1% increase in nurse density correlates with a 2.4% increase in economic growth. Global perspectives: Supporting the nursing workforce To address the global nursing shortage, countries are adopting a variety of strategies:
Rethinking nursing’s economic value Nurses are often framed within an "outcomes-over-cost" model, where budget reductions are seen as cost-saving measures. However, this approach neglects the fundamental role of adequate staffing in maintaining quality care. Persistent issues like understaffing and burnout undermine healthcare systems' capacity to deliver safe, equitable, and affordable care. The nursing human capital value model The nursing human capital value model, introduced in 2024, emphasizes that investing in nurses not only improves patient care but also contributes to societal outcomes. By enhancing nurse training and retention, countries can strengthen healthcare systems, improve patient satisfaction, and ultimately boost financial outcomes through increased Return on Investment (ROI). The global nursing shortage is a multifaceted crisis that requires a coordinated international response. By investing in the education, retention, and protection of nurses, countries can secure better health outcomes and a stronger economy. Addressing the challenges faced by the nursing workforce today will lay the foundation for a resilient healthcare system tomorrow. |
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