Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
NURSES have been urged to uphold professionalism, discipline and ethical conduct as the Government reaffirmed its commitment to improving their welfare and working conditions.
Speaking during International Nurses Day commemorations held at The Avenues Clinic in Harare on Tuesday, the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, paid tribute to nurses for their central role in saving lives and sustaining the country’s healthcare system.
He said Government was prioritising improvements in conditions of service for health workers to ensure they operate in conducive environments and deliver quality care.
“We respect our nurses and doctors, and we want them to be happy when they are rendering care to patients,” he said.
Deputy Minister Kwidini said the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, remained committed to an inclusive health system that values both public and private sector health workers.
He said private health institutions continued to complement Government efforts and deserved equal recognition as partners in healthcare delivery.
“We are serving one community, whether in public or private institutions. We all belong to Zimbabwe and deserve the same treatment,” he said.
The Deputy Minister urged nurses to maintain high standards of professionalism, including adherence to proper dress code, infection prevention measures and ethical conduct.
He acknowledged the migration of some nurses to countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, but said Zimbabwean nurses remained highly regarded globally for their resilience and professionalism.
This year’s commemorations ran under the theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
Principal Nursing Officer at The Avenues Clinic, Mrs Florence Ogwal, said empowering nurses was key to strengthening healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.
“When nurses are supported, equipped, protected and entrusted with leadership, health systems become stronger, and patient outcomes improve,” she said.
Mrs Ogwal said the institution has invested in specialist training programmes, including the introduction of oncology and palliative care nursing training in 2026.
She said partnerships with the University of Zimbabwe and Government health institutions had strengthened nursing training and professional development.
Mrs Ogwal said there are clinical milestones achieved at the institution, including the successful treatment and discharge of premature babies weighing as little as 600 grammes.
“Let us commit ourselves to removing barriers that prevent nurses from practising to their full potential,” she said.
Representing the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe, Ms Debra Kavhayi called for strict adherence to ethics, discipline and professionalism within the nursing profession.
“Nursing is one of the most trusted professions in the world because it is built on values of integrity, respect, accountability and service,” she said.
Ms Kavhayi said professionalism should be reflected in conduct, competence, communication and appearance, adding that nurses remain among the most trusted professionals globally.
She expressed concern over rising cases of drug and substance abuse and mental health challenges affecting some health workers and said such behaviour compromised patient safety and the integrity of the profession.
“Drug abuse has no place within the nursing profession because it threatens patient safety and undermines the integrity of healthcare delivery,” said Ms Kavhayi.
She commended The Avenues Clinic for prioritising staff wellness, continuous training and professional support systems.
General Manager at The Avenues Clinic, Mrs Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu, said the commemorations were introduced to recognise the critical role played by nurses in healthcare delivery.
“Nursing is a calling. It is not just a job,” she said.
Mrs Ndhlovu said nurses remained central to the healthcare system, as every patient interacts with them at some stage of treatment and care.
“We came through the hands of a nurse. So the nurses are so important,” she said.
She thanked the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe for supporting the commemorations and said nurses remained the backbone of the health delivery system and an essential pillar of national development.
