ICN Presents ZUNO with Memento Honoring Nurses and Midwives
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has presented a memento to Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO) in recognition of 2020 as the year of the Nurse and Midwife and the role the ZUNO played in supporting nurses during
ICN memento in form of a unique coin and certificate presented to ZUNO recognizing 2020 designated as Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
the Covid 19 pandemic.
In a letter addressed to the ZUNO President Tisa Chiponda, ICN President Annette Kennedy, stated that the Covid 19 pandemic has shown the benefits of working together, sharing information and supporting each other.
The Memento in form of a unique coin and certificate was designed specially by one of ICNs’ past Board members, Kallooa Bagooaduth, a nurse and recognised artist in Mauritius.
The ICN President noted that although Covid 19 pandemic denied the nurses to commemorate the year 2020, the ICN could not let the designated year fade without acknowledging, not only the difficult year for nurses and midwives, but also remember nursing colleagues who lost their lives in the pandemic.
She said “The power is in strength of unity and purpose.” adding that nurses need to keep up the momentum in order to compel policy makers to invest in nursing and improve pay conditions.
And acknowledging receipt of the memento, the ZUNO President thanked ICN on behalf of Nurses and Midwives in Zambia. Mrs. Chiponda expressed gratitude stating that the memento is very significant and a reminder of unity exhibited by nurses and midwives during a very difficult time.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) designated the year 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” which also happened to be the Bicentenary of Florence Nightingale, the architect of modern nursing.
ZUNO Congratulates President Hichilema and Vice President Nalumango
The Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO), has congratulated President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President Mrs. Mutale Nalumango for emerging victorious following the 12 August 2021 general elections.
ZUNO General Secretary Mr. Fray Michelo reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the vision of having an empowered nurse and midwife who is motivated and able to continuously uphold professional excellence, further expressing hope that the in-coming government shared the same vision.
“We are aware that the United Party for National Development (UNPD) manifesto places unity, equity and the provision of universal access to quality healthcare high on the agenda. ZUNO is therefore hopeful that the welfare of nurses and midwives will be given priority.” He said.
Mr. Michelo encouraged Mr. Hakainde Hichilema who is now the 7th President of Republic of Zambia and Vice President Mrs. Mutale Nalumango to pursue policies that will progress and benefit the health sector, as a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.
He pledged ZUNO’s support for the new Governments’ efforts to further improve healthcare delivery while, ensuring accountability, adding that ZUBO looks forward to working with new administration and Minister to be appointed in-charge of Health
“We believe prioritising health financing is key to improving healthcare delivery in our country. ZUNO further looks forward to the reformation of the national health insurance system to ensure that all eligible citizens experience the benefits.” He stated.
Mr. Michelo further wished the President and Vice President a successful term of service to the nation of Zambia.
ZUNO Continues to supplement Governments Efforts in Covid-19 fight
ZUNO has donated one thousand six hundred (1600) respirators and two sets of fit test kits towards the COVID-19 fight at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital and University Teaching Hospital’s Chest Clinic.
The donated items valued at Four Thousand and Fifty Two United States Dollars ($4,052) are in an effort to enhance COVID 19 infection prevention and control among nurses and midwives working at the two health facilities.
ZUNO president Mrs. Tisa Chiponda explained that the donation was sourced from the International Council of Nurses (ICN) through the ICN TB/MDR-TB project with the support of the United Way Worldwide on behalf of the Lilly Foundation.
Mrs Chiponda reiterated that this is not the first time ZUNO was supporting Ministry in the fight against COVID-19, saying that ZUNO hopes to continue to work with its partners to source for the much needed PPEs as well as collaborate with the Ministry of Health in ensuring there is prevention, reduction or elimination of risks to the health and safety of nurses and midwives in their service to this nation.
The ICN TB/MDR-TB project, which helped build nursing capacity in the prevention, care and treatment of TB, came to an end in 2020, after 15 successful years, during which it vastly expanded the capacity of the nursing workforce to prevent the spread of TB and provide care and treatment for people with Tuberculosis.
ZUNO is a member of the ICN, which is a global body that promotes the wellbeing of nurses for the advancement of the nursing profession.
