The list included pensioners, police officers, pregnant women, doctors and nurses. Being a nurse, I was amazed to see that my profession made the list. I was also quite eager to know more about how the list was made and why they had selected those professions.
When I inquired about it, I was pointed to the customer help desk where I introduced myself, also highlighting that I am a nurse. I told them I had taken interest in their signage on people exempted from lining up in the supermarket.
“Nurses are busy people; they are always rushing to save lives and we thought this special attention would help save them some time that would otherwise be spent in the long lines,” she intimated.
I felt proud to be a nurse in that moment, something I have not felt in a long time. To know that there were people out there in the community who truly recognize and appreciate nurses for who they are and what they bring to the table was refreshing.
It is not often that nurses get the recognition and credit for the contribution they make to the health care system despite constituting the largest number of workers. That is why that gesture by Shoprite supermarket, though seemingly simple, warmed my heart greatly.
According to the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC), Uganda has a total of 70,167 nurses and midwives. In a report by the ministry of Health (MOH), many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda inclusive, have nurses and midwives making up 80 per cent of the total health workforce.
The work conditions may not be very favourable for most nurses and midwives; the paycheque may not be very good; but an exceptional recognition and appreciation to that nurse means so much to them than you can imagine.
Whichever way you choose to appreciate your favorite nurse or midwife – it could be a hug, a smile, kind words, a cup of tea, a ride to or from duty, or a Christmas gift – that gesture could be all the nurse needs to pull through their next shift at work.
Let us help the nurses feel proud of their profession and work; let us brighten their faces with smiles despite the prevailing challenges. Interestingly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated 2021 as the international year of health and care workers (YHCW) in recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of millions of healthcare workers at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic.
My hope is that the wins, the recognition that nurses and midwives have got this year, continue to motivate and empower us as we serve fellow citizens. As we wind down the year, I urge all of you to reach out to nurses and midwives and continue to make them feel special.
It has been a hectic year for all of us but I trust and believe that there is still a lot of goodwill in us. According to the WHO, the world needs nine million more nurses and midwives if it is to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. More young people will be motivated, inspired, and driven to join nursing and midwifery if the profession gets the due respect and acknowledgement it deserves.
The author is a nurse and global health specialist.
