Thembeka Gwagwa

Addressing Global Health Challenges through Nursing Leadership

The state of global health today is shaped by both urgent and long-term challenges, with healthcare systems worldwide facing workforce shortages, increasing demands for services, and worsening disparities in health access and outcomes. Nurses, who constitute over 50% of the global healthcare workforce, are at the heart of the solution. As the largest and most accessible group of healthcare professionals, nurses are positioned to make a lasting impact on the health of individuals and communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) have long recognized the critical role that nursing plays in achieving positive health outcomes. The 2020 State of the World’s Nursing Report called for an annual eight percent increase in the production of nurses to address the growing global shortage. The #Nursing Now campaign also emphasizes that addressing nursing-related challenges directly addresses broader health system issues, underscoring the urgency of advancing the profession. The future of healthcare hinges on strengthening nursing globally, and now is the time to take decisive action.

My Vision for ICN Leadership

As a candidate for ICN President for the 2025-2029 term, I bring a deep commitment to advancing nursing’s leadership in global health and addressing the systemic barriers to health equity. Drawing from my extensive experience as a nurse, a former General Secretary of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), a former second Vice President of ICN 2017-2021, and an advocate for nursing at the national, regional and international levels, I understand the critical need for strong, organized advocacy within the nursing profession. I believe that ICN’s unique position as a global organization with members drawn from varied spheres of nursing, namely, regulatory, professional and trade unions can drive systemic change.

If elected, I will, working with the board to prioritize strengthening the relationship between ICN and its members, regional organizations, and key health stakeholders. By fostering closer collaborations at the country level, I aim to ensure that ICN’s policies are implemented effectively in local contexts. I will work to empower NNAs, ensuring that they are well-organized, have a strong voice, and are equipped to advocate for better working conditions, equitable healthcare policies, and investments in nursing education. Strengthening NNAs is essential for building a more resilient ICN and promoting health equity worldwide.

Drawing on lessons from COVID-19 I will advocate for greater attention to pandemic preparedness, with a focus on safeguarding the health and safety of nurses, whose well-being is often overlooked in crisis planning. I will push for the integration of nurses’ needs into national and global pandemic response strategies, ensuring that healthcare systems are better prepared for future public health emergencies.

With a proven track record in organizing and advocating for the nursing profession, I am confident that I can lead ICN in championing the global nursing agenda, fostering health equity, and working toward a future where every person, regardless of geography or circumstance, has access to quality care.