Health professionals at Phebe Hospital have joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Nurses and Midwives Day, with renewed calls for professionalism, unity, compassion, and commitment among healthcare workers in Liberia.
The event was held on Phebe compound in Suakoko District, Bong County, bringing together nurses, midwives, doctors, administrators, and other health workers under the theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future, and Empowering Nurses Saves Lives.” The celebration highlighted the important role nurses and midwives continue to play in strengthening the country’s healthcare system and improving the lives of patients across Liberia.
International Nurses Day is observed annually on May 12 to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of nurses and midwives around the world. At Phebe Hospital, the occasion served not only as a celebration of healthcare workers but also as a moment of reflection on the challenges and responsibilities facing the medical profession.
Serving as guest speaker during the program, the Administrator of Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing, Steven Z. Korvah, encouraged nurses and midwives to uphold the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the English social reformer and founder of modern nursing, widely remembered as “The Lady with the Lamp.”
Mr. Korvah praised the nurses and midwives of the institution for their dedication, hard work, and continuous commitment to serving humanity despite the many challenges confronting the healthcare sector.
He stressed that nurses and midwives remain the backbone of the healthcare system and should always conduct themselves professionally in the discharge of their duties.
“Nurses and midwives are not only identified by their uniforms, but by the care, compassion, and professionalism they show to patients every day,” he said.
Mr. Korvah further emphasized the need for healthcare workers to be treated with dignity, care, and respect as a means of motivating them to continue their life-saving work.
According to him, the role of nurses and midwives extends far beyond hospitals and clinics, especially during times of health crises, when they often serve as caregivers, educators, counselors, neighbors, and family supporters within their communities.
He identified commitment, compassion, and resilience as some of the essential qualities needed by nurses and midwives to help transform and improve Liberia’s healthcare delivery system.
Also speaking during the program, the Head of Employees at Phebe Hospital, Moses D.N Davids, praised the organizers of the celebration and described the gathering as one of the first major events held for nurses and midwives at the institution in many years.
Mr. David said such program are important in promoting unity, teamwork, and cooperation among employees of the hospital.
He called on the leadership of Phebe Hospital to continue organizing interactive activities and professional engagements that will strengthen relationships among staff members and improve the working environment at the institution.
Meanwhile, the Acting Medical Director and Chief Medical Staff of Phebe Hospital, Momolu Massaley, urged all healthcare workers to maintain professionalism and place patient care at the center of their responsibilities.
Dr. Massaley commended nurses and midwives for their continuous sacrifices and dedication toward improving healthcare services for patients across the country.
He noted that healthcare delivery requires honesty, cooperation, commitment, and mutual respect among workers in order to provide quality services to the public.
Dr. Massaley also praised the Government of Liberia for the introduction of the Community Drugs Revolving Fund initiative, which he said is gradually contributing to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality in various parts of the country.
He warned healthcare workers against bringing politics into the health sector, emphasizing that the focus of all medical professionals should remain on saving lives and improving the nation’s healthcare system.
The celebration concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among healthcare workers, improved support for nurses and midwives, and continued efforts to strengthen Liberia’s healthcare sector for the benefit of all citizens.
