Nurses serve with pride, and they should be empowered, respected, and valued. 

These were messages from speakers that dominated the International Nurses Day commemoration held at Keetmanshoop District Hospital. 

Dressed in their uniforms, the nurses paraded through the streets of Keetmanshoop to mark the commemoration of International Nurses Day. 

This year, International Nurses Day is celebrated under the theme 'Our Nurses, Our Future. Empowered Nurses Saved Lives. 

The Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency Councillor Ulrich Davis delivered the keynote message at the occasion. "Thank you for your sacrifices," he said. "Your late nights, your comforting words and your healing words. You are the heartbeat of our nation's health. Happy International Nurses Day to all of Namibia!" 

Retired nurses also took part in the commemoration, bringing decades of experience and dedication to the celebration. 

Johanna Basson said nursing is "a commitment to stand beside people in their most vulnerable moments when they are in pain, afraid or uncertain. During those moments, you are not just administering medication or checking vital signs; you are giving hope."

Also speaking at the occasion was Keetmanshoop Local Authority Councillor Emrico Blaauw, who said, "Empowering nurses means investing in their education and development, improving their working conditions, ensuring their working conditions, and recognising the invaluable contribution they make to society."

The nurses also renewed their pledge to serve the communities with professionalism, dedication and commitment despite challenges facing the profession.