The Arab States commemorate Arab Nursing and Midwifery Day on 3 November each year in recognition of the vital humanitarian role played by nurses and midwives in caring for patients, safeguarding public health, and upholding the values of compassion and service. The commemoration is held pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Council of Arab Ministers of Health in 2021, with a unified logo for the Arab States approved under a subsequent resolution issued by the Council in 2022.
The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States affirms that the nursing and midwifery professions constitute the cornerstone of health systems and a fundamental pillar for achieving universal health coverage. Nurses and midwives represent the first line of defence in confronting health crises, disasters, conflicts, and epidemics, and play a pivotal role in promoting the health of mothers, children, and communities at large.
The General Secretariat also expresses its deep gratitude and appreciation to all those working in the nursing and midwifery professions, particularly those who continue to fulfil their duties under the most challenging circumstances, and affirms that their sacrifices stand as a shining example of humanitarian commitment and selfless dedication.
On this day each year, the General Secretariat calls for elevating the status of nurses and midwives through enhanced education and continuous training, as well as by improving working conditions—recognising that investment in nursing and midwifery is an investment in the health and future of Arab societies.
In this context, and in cooperation with the Ministries of Health of the Arab Member States, and in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund for Arab States and the Regional Office of the World Health Organisation for the Eastern Mediterranean, the General Secretariat prepared the “Arab Guiding Strategy for the Advancement of the Nursing and Midwifery Professions 2022–2030.” This strategy, adopted by the Council of Arab Ministers of Health during its meeting in Geneva in May 2022, serves as a roadmap to guide countries in developing national implementation plans to strengthen the advancement of nursing and midwifery professions. It also seeks to promote cooperation among Arab States in exchanging expertise and technical support, while setting forth a framework of strategic priorities, directions, and related procedures.
