On 12 May 2025, Chipata City in Eastern Province came alive with colour, spirit, and pride as Zambia joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Nurses Day (IND). Under the global theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,”
the event highlighted the vital role of nurses and midwives in shaping healthier communities and driving socio-economic progress.

A Nationwide Celebration of Care

While the main commemorative event was hosted in Chipata, similar celebrations were held in all ten provinces, each honouring the unwavering dedication and resilience of nurses and midwives across the nation.

Tripartite Leadership at the Helm

Mrs. Juliet Fwapyeka, Assistant Director of Nursing & Midwifery Services (Left), Ms. Beauty Zimba, NMCZ Registrar (middle) and Mr. Fray Michelo, ZUNMO President

The day’s proceedings in Chipata were led by the Tripartite Leadership in Nursing—the Ministry of Health, the Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO), and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ).

The delegation, comprising: Mrs. Juliet Fwapyeka, Assistant Director of Nursing & Midwifery Services; Mr. Fray Michelo, ZUNMO President, and Ms. Beauty Zimba, NMCZ Registrar, paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Minister Hon. Peter S. Phiri and Provincial Health Director Dr. Mathews Ng’ambi ahead of the formal celebrations.

Pride on Parade: Match-Past and Ceremony

The Eastern Province Minister, joined by Chipata Mayor Mr. George Mwanza and District Commissioner Elidah Banda, flagged off a 2.4 km match-past from ABSA

Square to David Kaunda Stadium.
Hundreds of nurses, donned in uniform and full of pride, marched in unity to show their commitment to health and service.

A Living Tribute to Florence Nightingale

A symbolic moment that captured hearts was the appearance of Gift Mulenga Singo’mbe, Director of Nursing Services at Mwami Adventist Hospital, dressed as Florence Nightingale, lamp in hand—a timeless reminder of the origins of nursing and the enduring call to care.

Artistic Expressions of the Nursing Spirit

The event featured captivating performances by nurses and students from Mwami Adventist Hospital and College of Health Sciences and St Francis College of Nursing and Midwifery.

These included: A dramatic Crimean War Drill; Moving poetry, and Inspiring songs, all evoking the selflessness and courage that define the nursing profession.

NMCZ Registrar Ms. Beauty Zimba reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to upholding professional standards, urging nurses to practice ethically, use information responsibly, and remain true to the Code of Conduct.

ZUNMO President Fray Michelo delivering his speech during the 2025 IND in Chipata

ZUNMO President Mr. Fray Michelo highlighted the economic significance of investing in nursing. He called for: Safer and healthier work environments, Enhanced collaboration across ministries, Leadership and career development opportunities, Increased funding and fair remuneration for nurses.

Hon. Peter S. Phiri, speaking on behalf of Health Minister Hon. Elijah Muchima, pledged continued Government support. He notably announced that all nurses and midwives will soon receive full uniforms, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to improving their conditions of service.

Recognizing Dedication

Several nurses and midwives were honoured with awards for exceptional service, symbolizing appreciation for their tireless efforts in communities and facilities throughout Zambia.

On this International Nurses Day 2025, we salute the backbone of our health system—our nurses and midwives—whose compassion and courage inspire the future of healthcare.

#IND2025 #ZUNMO #OurNursesOurFuture