As the world celebrates International Nurses Day, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has called on South African citizens to show appreciation for every nurse working tirelessly towards the health of the nation. International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12 May, the birthday of the founder of modern-day nursing Florence Nightingale. The 2024 International Nurses Day is celebrated under the theme: 'Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care'. Affirming this year's theme, SANC Registrar and CEO, Professor Ntombifikile Mtshali, said nurses are vital to the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare systems, making the economic investment in nursing a priority. 'Without nurses, the right to healthcare for all cannot be achieved. Nursing is a noble profession, which requires the highest degree of professionalism, ethical leadership and practice, resilience, dedication, and care,' Mtshali said. Mtshali said the health system cannot function without nursing as its backbone - a lesson t hat was learnt by all during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said reports on the nursing workforce across the world point to a dire and chronic shortage of nurses. 'Never has the time been more apt to invest more in nursing than right now. 'International Nurses Day presents an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of all the nurses; their selfless contribution to saving lives and providing quality care to all. 'To reiterate the words of the ICN President, Pamela Cipriano, nursing is not a cost. It is an investment into our economy, as a healthy economy requires healthy minds and bodies to support it, making nursing's economic and societal benefits a key consideration,' Mtshali said. The Council wished all nurses a happy International Nurses Day. Source: South African Government News Agency