In solidarity with all nurses in Malawi and worldwide, the MLW National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives (NONM) chapter, which has members from MLW and Blantyre Malaria Project (BMP), organised an event on 12 May 2021 to celebrate the achievements that the nursing profession has made particularly in the fight against COVID-19.

According to MLW’s Clinical Manager Vella Kaudzu, it was important to organise the International Nurses’ Day event to reflect on nurses’ experience with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“About 15% of the workforce at MLW are nurses, and they are an integral component in the success of clinical research and training of future scientist. Their input in the conduct of research is crucial for the success of any study protocol they are involved in. Nurses have and continue to play a vital role in the fight against COVID-19, hence the need to celebrate the profession.

Each year NONM recognises and awards nurses from across the country for outstanding performance. Two nurses from the MLW NONM chapter were voted as best nurses of the year and received certificates and cash prizes of MK15,000.00 each. The nurses are Vitumbiko Nkhoma from MLW and Veronica Timvere from BMP,” said Vella Kaudzu.

Every year on 12 May, nurses worldwide celebrate the birth of Florence Nightingale who is the founder of nursing profession.  The theme for 2021 was Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A Vision for Future Healthcare.