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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Health & Science

DRC: 383 New Nurses Sworn In, Boosting Healthcare in Équateur Province

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • 383 new nurses in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of Congo, took an oath to uphold ethical standards in their profession on International Nurses Day.
  • These nurses will contribute to the national universal health coverage program, aiming to provide quality care in the Équateur province.
  • The event also served as a platform for nurses to advocate for improved social and professional conditions and fair remuneration.

In Mbandaka, the capital of the Équateur province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a significant cohort of 383 newly qualified nurses has pledged to uphold the highest ethical standards as they embark on their professional journeys. This solemn oath-taking ceremony, held on International Nurses Day, marks a crucial step in strengthening the region's healthcare system and underscores the commitment of these future caregivers to the principles of the Florence Nightingale pledge. Their dedication promises to enhance the delivery of quality medical services across the province.

The province now has 1,910 nurses officially registered.

— Jean-Claude MokobelaJean-Claude Mokobela, provincial president of the Order of Nurses, announces the significant increase in registered nurses following the new cohort's oath.

These new nurses, hailing from Mbandaka and its seven surrounding territories, are set to play a vital role in the national universal health coverage program. Their integration into the healthcare workforce is expected to bolster the capacity of local medical structures, ensuring that more patients receive the care they need and that suffering is alleviated. The provincial president of the Order of Nurses, Jean-Claude Mokobela, highlighted that with this new influx, the province now boasts 1,910 officially registered nurses, a substantial increase that significantly strengthens the health division's response capabilities.

The central government must improve the socio-professional conditions and remuneration of nurses in the DRC.

— Jean-Claude MokobelaJean-Claude Mokobela calls for better working conditions and pay for nurses.

Beyond the oath, the ceremony provided a critical platform for advocating for the rights and welfare of nurses. Jean-Claude Mokobela seized the opportunity to address the central government, emphasizing the urgent need for improved socio-professional conditions and better remuneration for nurses across the DRC. Similarly, Boku Chérif, the urban president of the Order, reminded authorities and partner NGOs of their legal obligation to employ only certified nurses, citing the relevant national legislation. This dual focus on professional commitment and advocacy reflects the ongoing challenges and aspirations within the nursing profession in the region.

It is the legal obligation of authorities and partner NGOs to employ only sworn-in nurses.

— Boku ChérifBoku Chérif reminds stakeholders of the legal requirement to hire certified nurses.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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