Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Emirates Nursing Association have collaborated to host the congress of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) from November 2-4, 2021. The event provides one of the most important platforms to voice developments in the nursing sector since its launch in 1899.

Today, the ICN caters to the interests of more than 27 million nurses across the world, with over 130 members, including the Emirates Nursing Association. It hosts a congress on a bi-annual basis to promote the needs and wellbeing of nurses. This year, the three-day nursing related event will be held virtually to advance the nursing profession. The event will witness delegates from over 120 countries globally, including 13 from the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region, coming together and sharing their expertise.

Furthermore, it will also witness an extensive scientific programme with key notes from global leaders and policy makers, such as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon; former New Zealand PM and Co-Chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Helen Clark; Princess Muna Al-Hussein of Jordan, the WHO Patron for Nursing and Midwifery in the Eastern Mediterranean Region; registered nurse and United States Congresswoman Lauren Underwood; and President of the Emirates Nursing Association and Group Chief Nursing Officer at SEHA Aysha Al Mahri.

Dr. Tarek Fathey, Group CEO of SEHA, hailed nurses as the foundation of the network as they represent the largest section of the healthcare workforce.

"When patients return home after receiving treatment at a healthcare facility, one of the most prominent things they remember is the care and compassion they received from nurses. This is evident when we review SEHA’s patient satisfaction survey results, with nurses often being singled out for the impact that they leave on our patients," Dr. Fathey added.

Aysha Al Mahri, President of the Emirates Nursing Association and Group CNO at SEHA, showed confidence that UAE’s nurses and from other regions will significantly benefit from the event.

"It will be a showcase for everything the world’s nurses have done over the time of the pandemic, and a beacon for the future that we will live when it is finally over," Aysha Al Mahri added.

ICN President Annette Kennedy also expressed delight to be working with UAE colleagues in organizing the Congress for nurses across the world. Kennedy further commended the efforts of nurses worldwide during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I know that Congress will let nurses know that they are not alone and enable them to share in the experiences of their colleagues everywhere," Kennedy added.

WAM