We must act now to boost welfare of East Africa’s nurses and midwives

I admire the strength and resilience shown daily by nurses and midwives across East Africa. They are truly the backbone of our healthcare system. Yet all too often their contributions come at a cost—that of their own health and wellbeing.

Our nurses and midwives are there for us in our most difficult and painful moments. It is time we show them care and compassion too.
In a 2022 study by the Aga Khan University (AKU), one in four nurses and midwives in Kenya exhibited signs of depression.