Hyderabad: As the world continues to battle the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic amid a serious shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), thereby exposing the limited number of medical staff to the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the world is already running short of around six million nurses.
While underscoring the crucial role played by nurses in the health system, the UN's health agency in partnership with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and Nursing Now in a report revealed there are just under 28 million nurses worldwide, leaving a global shortfall of 5.9 million.
“There are just under 28 million nurses worldwide. Between 2013 and 2018, nursing numbers increased by 4.7 million. But this still leaves a global shortfall of 5.9 million - with the greatest gaps found in countries in Africa, South East Asia and the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region as well as some parts of Latin America,” the report stated.
With nurses emerging as the frontline warrior in the fight against the deadly disease, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Nurses are the backbone of any health system...This report is a stark reminder of the unique role they play, and a wakeup call to ensure they get the support they need to keep the world healthy.”
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The report urged countries to identify gaps in their nursing workforce and invest in nursing education, jobs and leadership.
“To avert the global shortage, the report estimates that countries experiencing shortages need to increase the total number of nurse graduates by on average 8% per year, along with improved ability to be employed and retained in the health system. This would cost roughly USD 10 per capita (population) per year,” recommended the report.
Health professionals, particularly nurses have expressed concern regarding the acute shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like surgical masks, gloves, etc.
Several of them have also taken to social media to highlight the shortage of protective gear.
