The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife and the Ministry of Health and Wellness has fully endorsed this designation and will be celebrating this important group of professionals in the health sector.
His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica has issued a proclamation in honour of Jamaica’s celebration, which will be held under the theme: “Nurses and Midwives: Vital to the Delivery of Healthcare”. Her Excellency the Most Honourable Lady Allen is the Patron of the year’s activities, being coordinated by the Office of the Chief Nurse in the Ministry of Health & Wellness.
Mrs. Patricia Ingram-Martin, Chief Nursing Officer noted that “this designation for the yearlong celebration was proposed at the World Health Assembly Executive Board in Geneva, in January 2019 by the Jamaican delegation, led by Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton.”
“These activities will highlight the contribution of our nurses and midwives to the health services, building their leadership capacities and showcase the variety of specialties in these professions”, Mrs. Martin-Ingram added.
The official launch of Jamaica’s celebration was held in Kingston on January 31, 2020, where the activities for the year were unveiled.
The suite of celebratory activities includes:
- A Think Tank Session
- Regional Health Fairs
- A MOHW/UHWI Research Conference
- Regional Leadership Development Lecture Series
- National Nurses and Midwives Exposition
- A Charity Fundraising Walk
- Nurses and Midwives Awards Banquet