I believe if the Government makes the proper investment on nursing education and practice then the Sustainable Development Goals will be achieved at ease.

Akaneta Maibua, a Year Two student at the Fiji School of Nursing, made this statement during the closing of the International Nurses Day at the school’s Tamavua Campus in Suva yesterday.

“Creating conducive working environment proper placement and remuneration of nursing by the Government is of utmost important,” she said.

Her message was reiterated by guest speaker, Director Nursing Services, Silina Waqa Ledua. Ms Ledua said the role of nurses in the achievement of the sustainable development goals was significant.

“Nurses are frontline providers for health services in Fiji and you make them about 62 per cent of the total (health) work force and hence nurses engaged with the achievement of SDG are crucial,” she said.

Yesterday was the first time the school hosted a celebration marking the International Nurses Day.

The theme for the year’s International Nurses Day was ‘Nurses: A voice to lead – Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.’

The School also launched Foundation of Nursing History in Fiji.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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