ICN supports World Health Day 2026: Nurses stand with science and strengthen trust

On World Health Day 2026, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) supports the World Health Organization’s theme, “Together for health. Stand with science.”, and the launch of a year-long campaign highlighting the importance of scientific collaboration and the One Health approach.

ICN thanks and celebrates nurses and all health workers worldwide who provide the science-based care that saves and changes lives, often under extremely challenging conditions. Their expertise, commitment and leadership are essential to the health and wellbeing of populations everywhere.

ICN President Dr José Luis Serrano Cobos said:

“On this World Health Day, I thank all nurses and health workers around the world for the essential work they do every day and especially for their dedication and resilience in the face of significant challenges.

Nurses stand with science every day in their clinical work and as educators, researchers, and leaders. Nurses bring scientific evidence into care, support people and communities to make informed decisions about their health, and advocate for health policies that are grounded in research.

If we want better outcomes and stronger health systems, we need to invest in nursing. To advance science-based solutions and improve health for all, we must ensure that nurses have time and resources for high-quality person-centred care —and that their expertise and leadership informs decision-making at every level.”

At a time of increasing misinformation and growing pressure on health systems, strengthening confidence in science and public health is critical. As the world’s largest health workforce, with close and trusted relationships with individuals and communities across all settings, nurses are uniquely placed to translate evidence into practice and support populations to engage with health education, treatment and prevention.

ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton commented:

“Nurses are consistently recognized as the most trusted profession, and that trust is central to their impact. Trust enables nurses to bridge the gap between people, science and health systems, providing evidence-informed care and health information that people can count on.

‘This year’s International Nurses’ Day report, which will be released in May, reinforces the importance of trusted relationships, science‑based practice and rigorous education: these all underpin the life-saving and life-changing contribution nurses make every day.

‘If we are serious about delivering better health for all, we must invest in and support the nursing workforce as a cornerstone of health systems that are both evidence-based and trusted by the people they serve.”

ICN calls on governments and partners to support the goals of World Health Day 2026 by investing in the nursing and health workforce, including in nursing research and education; advancing scientific responses to health challenges including a One Health approach; and strengthening health systems and the public's confidence in them.