Mandera: Mandera County Teaching and Referral Hospital marked the Nurses and Midwives Week with celebrations focusing on the commitment, compassion, and professionalism of the health workers. This year’s celebrations in the county featured a variety of activities, including health talks, appreciation ceremonies, mentorship sessions, and awareness campaigns.
According to Kenya News Agency, as part of the celebration, gift hampers were distributed to mothers in the hospital’s maternity wing, symbolizing gratitude for the vital role played by midwives in maternal care. Health officials from the County Department of Health commended the dedication of these frontline caregivers, especially those serving in remote and underserved areas of Mandera County.
Fatuma Noor, the Deputy Director of Nursing, praised the nursing staff for their resilience and selflessness. ‘They work tirelessly, often under difficult conditions, to ensure our communities receive quality, compassionate care,’ she said. The event also served as a platform to highlight ongoing challenges faced by nurses and midwives, including staffing shortages, safety risks, and limited access to professional training and development opportunities.
The celebrations brought together nurses from public hospitals across the county, alongside students from the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Mandera Campus, fostering intergenerational learning and unity within the profession. Okash Abdi, CO of Mandera County Referral Hospital, assured healthcare workers of continued institutional support. ‘We are committed to ensuring our nurses are well-equipped and supported in their daily duties across all health facilities,’ he stated.
Chief Officer for Medical Services, Ibrahim Mohamed, expressed his gratitude to the nursing staff, acknowledging their critical role in the healthcare system. ‘We deeply thank our nurses who sacrifice so much for the well-being of our people,’ he said. ‘They are the backbone of every hospital in our county and remain vital to the delivery of quality healthcare.’
The week-long celebration concluded with an awards ceremony, where outstanding staff members were honored for their dedication, hard work, and service excellence.