International Nurses Day 2026 | Message From WHO Chief Nursing Officer

Why It Matters

Without sustained investment and upskilling of nurses, universal health coverage and health‑system resilience risk falling short, making nursing workforce development a strategic priority for governments and donors.

Key Takeaways

• WHO emphasizes nurses as health system foundation worldwide.
• Investment needed to meet Global Strategic Directions for Nursing 2021‑2030.
• Climate, AI, aging demand resilient, well‑supported nursing workforce.
• WHO Academy offers online courses to upskill nurses globally.
• Equitable nurse access essential for achieving universal health coverage.

Summary

On International Nurses Day 2026, the WHO Chief Nursing Officer delivered a video message celebrating nurses worldwide and reaffirming their central role in health systems.

The address highlighted that nurses are the first point of contact, the trusted voice in communities, and the backbone of care across the life‑course. Citing the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, the speaker stressed that universal health coverage cannot be achieved without equitable access to competent nurses and called for sustained investment aligned with the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2021‑2030.

She warned that climate change, humanitarian crises, aging populations, digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping health delivery, demanding a resilient and well‑supported nursing workforce. The WHO Academy’s online learning platform was promoted as a tool for nurses to acquire new skills, and the speaker concluded with a personal note of pride: “I am proud to be a nurse,” and thanked “Messioku Malo Albito.”

The message signals to policymakers, donors, and health leaders that scaling up financing, education, and workforce planning for nurses is essential to meet global health targets, strengthen system resilience, and ensure equitable care for all.

Original Description

On International Nurses Day 2026, WHO Chief Nursing Officer Amelia Tuipulotu recognises the vital contributions of nurses worldwide and the services they provide. She highlights the need for sustained investments aligned with the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2021–2030.

This International Nurses Day, WHO is calling for learning opportunities to be available to nurses:

✔️ in every country

✔️ at every stage of their career

✔️ throughout their lifelong learning journey

The WHO Academy offers a wide range of FREE courses for health workers around the world.

Check out the full range of FREE courses ➡️ https://whoacademy.org/

Join WHO’s Nursing and Midwifery Global Community of Practice ➡️ https://nursingandmidwiferyglobal.org/

#InternationalNursesDay #Nurses #WHO #WHOAcademy