The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Anambra State Chapter, has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to recruit more nurses and midwives to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
Mrs. Edith Onwuka, State Chairperson of NANNM, made the appeal in an interview with journalists in Awka on Tuesday, to mark the 2026 International Day of the Midwife.
The International Day of the Midwife is observed annually on May 5 to honor the lifesaving role of midwives as frontline guardians of maternal and newborn health and key responders during health emergencies. This year’s theme is “One Million More Midwives”.
Onwuka described nurses and midwives as the ‘heart of healthcare’, stressing their critical role in sustaining the health system.
While commending the Soludo administration for its investments in the health sector, she noted that the government has employed about 1,000 nurses and midwives since assuming office.
She highlighted key interventions, including free antenatal and delivery services, which have helped reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates. According to her, the upgrade and equipping of primary healthcare centres across the state have also brought quality healthcare closer to the people.
“We are happy to celebrate this day, especially with the progress recorded in the health sector under the present administration,” she said.
Onwuka further disclosed that Governor Soludo was recently honored with the “Commonwealth of Nations Nurses Best Friendly Governors’ Award” in Abuja during the association’s African regional conference.
She reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting the state government in improving healthcare delivery.
