Australia’s Nursing Now lead, the Australian College of Nursing is calling on Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and other G20 finance ministers and central bank governors to demonstrate leadership by putting health at the heart of decision-making when they meet on 18-19 July to discuss the economic fall-out from COVID-19.
By building consensus around the urgent need to invest in health, health systems and the health workforce G20 members have an opportunity to shape public health for decades.
“Our health care professionals have been on the frontline of the COVID-19 battle. Nurses’ professionalism, expertise, quick-thinking and tireless efforts have been key to Australia rising to this latest health care challenge,” Australian College of Nursing CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN said.
Nurses play a unique role in keeping the world healthy and it is critical that we address the global shortfall of 5.9 million nurses by investing in their recruitment, education, decent or reasonable working conditions and leadership. This investment is critical to a healthy, long-term recovery from COVID-19.
“Nurses around the world continue to lead us through the worst health crisis of our time. We have witnessed their skill, dedication and bravery in saving countless lives. It is time that we go beyond applause and listen to their call for a commitment to invest in pandemic preparedness, public health and environmental stewardship,” said Dr Barbara Stilwell, Nursing Now Global Campaign Executive Director.
Today, Nursing Now Australia joins the 693 Nursing Now groups to urge finance ministers to keep health at the heart of their decision making and commit to public health as we work towards a healthy recovery from COVID-19.
