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.
