As the world commemorates International Nurses Day under the theme "Nurses Our Future, Economic Power of Care," the Nursing Science Department at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences took a proactive stance in celebrating the vital role of nurses in healthcare. This year's theme emphasises the economic contributions of nurses, highlighting their pivotal role in fostering resilient healthcare systems and promoting societal well-being.

Nurses are not only caregivers but also crucial drivers of economic growth and stability through their advocacy, education, and innovation in healthcare. Recognising this, the Nursing Sciences Department marked the occasion with a dedicated health education awareness programme at the Tshwane District Ante Natal Care clinic.

Led by third-year nursing students and faculty members including Midwifery lecturers Molatelo Margaret Kgodane and Dr. Maurine Musie, the programme aimed to empower pregnant women with essential health knowledge. Topics covered during the session included identifying danger signs during pregnancy, promoting breastfeeding, and non-pharmacological pain relief methods such as breathing exercises and the use of birth balls during labour.

Molatelo Margaret Kgodane, an Advanced Midwife Specialist, Clinical Lecturer, and PhD student at the University of Pretoria, brings a wealth of experience from her role as Operational Manager of an Antenatal Unit at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Her passion for maternal and child healthcare is evident in her dedication to improving maternal health outcomes through education and clinical practice.

Dr. Maurine Musie, also an Advanced Midwifery Specialist and Senior Lecturer at the Nursing Sciences Department, has made significant strides in nursing education and research. Recognized as the youngest PhD recipient in the Nursing Department by the National Research Foundation in 2023, Dr. Musie's leadership extends to various professional organizations and committees advocating for respectful maternity care and maternal-child health among marginalised communities.

Dr. Musie's research focus on advocacy for respectful maternity care, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and point-of-care midwifery education underscores her commitment to advancing nursing practice and policy.

“The significance of educating expectant mothers about danger signs cannot be overstated. Early detection and timely intervention can prevent complications, ultimately saving lives and promoting healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies”, Molatelo Margaret Kgodane.

This initiative underscores the University of Pretoria's commitment to community engagement and empowerment, aligning with its objectives to enhance healthcare literacy and foster healthier families and communities.

The Faculty of Health Sciences continues to pave the way for excellence in nursing education, research, and community service. By investing in comprehensive health education programmes and nurturing future nursing leaders, the faculty aims to build a sustainable healthcare workforce equipped to meet the evolving needs of our society.

As we reflect on International Nurses Day and its theme, "Nurses Our Future, Economic Power of Care," let us celebrate the dedication and contribution of nurses worldwide, including those at the forefront of change and innovation here at the University of Pretoria. Their tireless efforts ensure that healthcare remains not just a service, but a cornerstone of societal well-being and economic prosperity.