By Judith Matanire
The Avenues Clinic yesterday led commemorations to mark International Nurses Day 2026, with healthcare leaders calling for greater investment in nurses through improved training, leadership opportunities and better working conditions.
The event, held at The Avenues Clinic in Harare, ran under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives” and brought together nurses, healthcare professionals, representatives from the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe and officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini attended the commemorations as the Guest of Honour and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
“We respect our nurses and doctors and we want them to be happy when they are rendering care to patients,” said Kwidini.
He said both public and private healthcare institutions play an important role in delivering healthcare services to Zimbabweans, adding that healthcare professionals deserved recognition for their contribution to the sector.
Kwidini also acknowledged the migration of nurses to countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, saying Zimbabwean nurses continue to distinguish themselves globally because of their professionalism and dedication.
Speaking during the event, Principal Nursing Officer at The Avenues Clinic, Florence Ogwal, said empowering nurses was critical to building stronger healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.
Ogwal said the institution had continued investing in specialist nursing education and mentorship programmes to strengthen the profession.
She revealed that the clinic’s postgraduate school introduced an Oncology and Palliative Care Nursing Programme this year as part of efforts to expand specialist training opportunities for nurses.
The hospital has also partnered with the University of Zimbabwe and several Government health institutions to support the training of undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students.
Ogwal highlighted some of the clinic’s achievements in patient care, including the successful treatment and discharge of premature babies weighing as little as 600 grammes.
“Where nurses are supported, equipped and empowered, health systems become stronger and patient outcomes improve,” she said.
Representing the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe, Debra Kavhayi urged nurses to maintain professionalism, discipline and ethical conduct in their work.
She warned against drug and substance abuse within the profession, saying it compromises patient safety and undermines confidence in healthcare delivery systems.
Kavhayi also encouraged healthcare institutions to strengthen staff wellness programmes, counselling services and mentorship initiatives to better support nurses and other healthcare workers.
The commemorations formed part of The Avenues Clinic’s initiative to recognise the contribution of nurses, who remain at the centre of healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.
