Nurses in the Zambezi Region gathered at the Katima Mulilo open market in celebration of International Nurses Day under the theme, "Our Nurses, Our Future, and Empowered Nurses Save Lives."

Nurses paraded from the Zambezi Regional Council to the open market, where they provided services such as malaria testing and TB screening, as well as offering education on cervical cancer.

Addressing the attendees, Katima Mulilo Mayor Kabende Kabende emphasised the importance of support beyond words of affirmation.

"As we celebrate this special day, let us also commit ourselves to supporting them, not only with appreciation but also with respect, proper resources, opportunities for growth, safe working environments, and recognition worthy of the vital role they play in society."

Ireen Sezuni, a retired nurse who worked for 34 years, encouraged nurses to honour their calling.

"We make it a point that, no matter how tired or how sleepy I am, I should hear the patients because at night that's when most patients need something from us. You may be sleepy, but immediately the patient says, 'baNurse, please help.' You are already alerted, so please, nurses, these times, these days, these years, there is always a problem concerning nurses. Our attitude, our behaviour, our handling of cases – please let us not let Florence Nightingale down."