The month of May is a very special Month for Nurses as we celebrate International Midwifery day on May 5 and International Nurses day on May 12, which is a global celebration of the commitment, dedication, devotion and bravery of nurses around the world. These celebrations highlight and bring to focus the valuable contribution of nurses and midwives in the health care journey of our population.

Nurses, to include midwives, represent the highest proportion of health care workers globally and Saint Lucia is no exception. Nurses are the backbone of all health care systems as they continue to play key roles in health surveillance, disease prevention and management, nursing education, nursing regulation and health promotion. Midwives provide care and support during pregnancy, labour and delivery and play a vital roleinensuring the well-being of mothers and babies.

As nurses and midwives together celebrate International Nurses Day 2022, there is an urgent call for investment in Nursing in line with the theme: “Nurses: A voice to Lead-Invest in nursing andrespect rights to global health.” It is the opportune time to translate all acknowledgments of nurses’ dedication, sacrifice and selflessness into governmental support as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) calls for increased investments into Nursing Education, Nursing Jobs, Nursing Practice and Nursing Leadership amid the growing global crisis of shortageof Nurses.

This year, in keeping with the theme, the Ministry of Health Wellness and Elderly Affairs will conduct areview of the nursing situation in St. Lucia and develop a strategic plan to address the growingchallenges in education, practice, service delivery, employment, leadership and workforce planning.

As we continue on with our celebrations throughout the month of May, I take this opportunity to thank every nurse in St. Lucia for your unwavering commitment, professionalism, compassion and dedicationto the nursing profession and to the health and well-being of our people. I encourage you to stay steadfast and vigilant as we approach the 6 th wave of COVID-19 and I inviteall Saint Lucians to help celebrate and recognize our nurses as true unsung heroes.

Let us all continue to pray for Gods continued protection upon us and our families. Have a great celebration for you are all worthy of the recognition and praise you receive.