ICN Announces International Nurses Day 2026 Theme: “Empower Nurses, Save Lives”
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has officially announced the theme for International Nurses Day (IND) 2026 as “Empower Nurses, Save Lives.” The announcement was made through the ICN website, reinforcing the global recognition of nurses as central to strong, safe, and resilient health systems.
The 2026 theme emphasizes that empowering nurses—through adequate investment, supportive policies, safe and dignified working environments, continuous professional development, and leadership opportunities—is not optional but essential to improving health outcomes and saving lives. It highlights the direct relationship between a well-supported nursing workforce and the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of healthcare services worldwide.
As an affiliated member of the International Council of Nurses, the Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO) fully aligns with this global call to action. ZUNMO remains committed to advocating for the empowerment of nurses and midwives in Zambia, including improved conditions of service, professional recognition, skills development, and meaningful participation in health policy and decision-making processes.
International Nurses Day, commemorated annually on 12 May, provides an important platform for ZUNMO and its partners to reflect on the contributions of nurses and midwives, raise awareness of workforce challenges, and promote solutions that strengthen the nursing profession for the benefit of patients, communities, and the nation at large.
Conclusion of 2026 Salary and Conditions of Service Negotiations with Government
The Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO) wishes to inform its members and stakeholders that negotiations to review salaries and selected conditions of service between the Public Sector Unions, including ZUNMO, and the Government of the Republic of Zambia have officially been concluded.
The negotiations, which commenced on 4th November 2025, followed extensive engagements between the two parties and resulted in consensus on a number of key issues affecting public service employees.
Key Agreed Outcomes
1. Rural/Remote Hardship Allowance
Government and the Unions agreed on a framework to guide the administration of the Rural/Remote Hardship Allowance. This framework will apply pending further agreed actions.
2. Settling-In Allowance
It was agreed that:
a. Employees engaged effective 1st January 2026 will receive their Settling-In Allowance through the payroll.
b. Employees engaged before 1st January 2026 will continue to receive their Settling-In Allowance outside the payroll.
3. Redefinition of a Standard House
The parties agreed to redefine the definition of a Standard House in order to reflect modern living standards. This matter will undergo a holistic review under the Joint Technical Committee.
4. Meal Allowance Adjustment
The Meal Allowance has been increased from K150.00 to K175.00, representing an upward revision
5. Basic Salary Adjustment
Government and the unions agreed to revise the basic salary by K700.00 across the board for all unionised Public Service employees.
This adjustment is effective 1st January 2026.
As a result, members will receive their February 2026 salary inclusive of arrears for January 2026. In addition, all salary-related allowances will be revised upwards accordingly.
Other Conditions of Service
The parties further agreed that all existing conditions of service shall remain unchanged and will continue to apply as currently provided.
Administrative Matters
Members are informed that the following issues will continue to be handled administratively in consultation with the Ministry of Health:
a. Provision of uniforms and protective clothing;
b. Promotions and upgrades; and
c. Placement of In-Charges on the correct salary scales.
ZUNMO’s Commitment
ZUNMO remains firmly committed to safeguarding the welfare, professional dignity, and economic interests of nurses and midwives across the country. The Union continues to engage Government constructively to ensure that agreed resolutions are fully implemented.
Members are encouraged to remain united, informed, and engaged. Further and more detailed sensitisation on the 2026 Collective Agreement will be conducted in due course, during which additional information will be shared.
ZUNMO PARTICIPATES IN REGIONAL MEDICAL OXYGEN ACCESS MEETING IN NAIROBI
The Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare systems through regional collaboration when National Gender Chairperson Vanelle M. Mabumba represented the organisation at the Community Advisory Board (CAB) meeting of the East African Program on Oxygen Access (EAPOA), held in Nairobi, Kenya from 27th to 29th January 2026.
The meeting was convened by PATH as part of a regional initiative aimed at improving access to lifesaving medical oxygen across Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme brings together healthcare stakeholders, technical experts, and frontline professionals to address oxygen supply gaps that directly affect patient survival in emergency, surgical, neonatal, and critical care settings.
ZUNMO’s participation ensured that the voice of frontline nurses and midwives, the primary users and implementers of oxygen therapy, was incorporated into policy, operational, and implementation discussions.
ZUNMO’s participation further emphasised that improving oxygen access is not only a technological issue, but also a workforce and training issue requiring direct engagement of nursing and midwifery professionals.
The CAB meeting formally launched the advisory board as a key partner in the regional programme and provided capacity-building sessions covering technical, programmatic, and operational components of oxygen systems strengthening. Participants also reviewed progress made so far and mapped collaborative actions going forward.
ZUNMO’s inclusion in this high-level regional forum strengthens the organisation’s mandate to advocate for quality patient care and professional practice standards.
ZUNMO Condemns Abuse of Nurses and Midwives and Calls for Community Respect
The Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO) has strongly condemned the verbal and physical abuse of a nurse/midwife that occurred on 13 January 2026 at a health facility in Kasama, Muchinga Province.
According to ZUNMO, the incident involved a nurse/midwife who was assaulted by a relative of a patient while carrying out professional duties. The organisation described the act as unacceptable and a serious violation of the rights and safety of health workers.
Speaking on the matter, ZUNMO President Mr. Fray Michelo stated that the union will not tolerate any form of verbal or physical attacks against nurses and midwives. He emphasized that violence against health workers undermines the delivery of quality healthcare and creates unsafe working environments within health facilities.
ZUNMO reiterated its commitment to promoting the highest standards of professionalism and integrity among nurses and midwives in the delivery of healthcare services. At the same time, the union called on members of the community to better understand the role of nurses and midwives, noting that while they are bound by professional ethics to care for patients, they also have fundamental rights that must be respected and protected.
As a member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), ZUNMO aligned itself with the global nursing body’s firm stance against all forms of violence targeting nurses and midwives. The ICN has consistently called for strong action by governments, institutions, and communities to prevent attacks on health workers and to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and dignity.
ZUNMO has appealed to the public to desist from acts of abuse and instead engage health workers with respect, even during moments of distress. The union further urged health authorities and relevant institutions to strengthen security measures in health facilities and ensure that perpetrators of violence against health workers are held accountable in accordance with the law.
ZUNMO reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected nurse/midwife and pledged to continue advocating for safe, respectful, and supportive working environments for all nurses and midwives across the country.
ZUNMO Secures 10% Salary and Benefits Improvements for Members at Lusaka Trust Hospital
Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO) has successfully concluded negotiations with the Management of Lusaka Trust Hospital (LTH), securing improved salaries and enhanced conditions of service for its members.
Following the negotiations, an agreement was reached that provides for a ten percent (10%) salary increment across the board. All applicable allowances will be adjusted in line with the new salary structure, ensuring that the increment translates into a meaningful improvement in overall earnings for affected nurses and midwives.
In addition to the salary adjustment, the hospital’s medical scheme has been enhanced to offer better support to employees and their families. Outpatient medical cover has been increased from K8,000 to K9,000 per year, while inpatient services will continue to be fully covered for employees and their eligible dependants. These improvements strengthen access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden on staff.
All other conditions of service remain unchanged, providing stability while introducing targeted improvements to staff welfare.
ZUNMO Negotiation Team Leader, Mr. Fray Michelo, and Lusaka Trust Hospital Management Negotiation Team Leader, Mrs. Pitican Syafunko, both described the outcome as a significant milestone. They noted that the agreement not only safeguards the welfare of nurses and midwives but also reinforces the hospital’s commitment to maintaining high standards of quality healthcare delivery.
The negotiation process was chaired by seasoned Human Resource Consultant, Mr. Mathews Hara, whose professional guidance played a key role in steering the discussions to a successful conclusion.
This achievement underscores ZUNMO’s continued commitment to advancing the rights, welfare, and well-being of nurses and midwives, ensuring that their vital contribution to patient care is matched by fair compensation and comprehensive support.
