Nurses and midwives across East Africa display incredible strength and dedication, often at the expense of their own well-being. Despite being the backbone of healthcare, many face mental health challenges due to heavy workloads, poor working environments, limited resources, and irregular pay.
A 2022 Aga Khan University study in Kenya found that 1 in 4 nurses showed signs of depression, and 2 in 5 experienced PTSD. Similar trends are seen in Uganda and Tanzania. Globally, over 60% of nurses report significant job-related stress.
Addressing these challenges requires urgent action from policymakers, healthcare administrators, and communities. Solutions include mentorship networks, debriefing sessions, simplified documentation, psychosocial support for student nurses, and mobile apps like the KeNuM App for professional resources.
Institutions like the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi are implementing measures such as electronic health records, professional development programs, and simulation-based training to support nurses’ mental health and career growth.
National frameworks like Kenya’s Nursing and Midwifery Policy and the Nursing Council’s Strategic Plan offer a foundation for empowering and sustaining the nursing workforce.
The health of nurses and midwives directly affects public health outcomes. Their well-being must be a national priority to ensure quality care and sustainable development.
