At a time when health systems around the world are facing workforce shortages, rising patient needs and growing pressure to deliver quality care, the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery Pakistan (SONAM, PK), together with the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Division of Nursing Services, commemorated International Nurses and Midwives Day 2026 by highlighting the critical role of nurses and midwives in strengthening health care in Pakistan.
The event brought together health care leaders, educators, policymakers, students and nursing and midwifery professionals from across the country to recognize the expanding contribution of nurses and midwives beyond traditional care roles. Today, nurses and midwives are increasingly leading in clinical practice, education, research, policy, health system management and innovation.
Speaking at the event, Dr Salimah R. Walani, Dean, SONAM, PK addressed the future nurses and Midwives.
“This is a great time to become a nurse or a midwife in Pakistan, and globally. Nurses and midwives save lives and improve the health of our populations. With a serious shortage of nurses and midwives globally, the demand for this profession is rising. Young people who are looking for a great rewarding career should choose these professions” said Dr Walani.
Khairunnissa Hooda, Chief Nursing Officer, AKUH, highlighted the critical role of leadership and professional excellence in healthcare settings.
“International Nurses and Midwives Day reminds us that nurses and midwives lead healthcare transformation. From bedside to boardroom, they shape decisions, drive innovation, and build resilient health systems. At AKUH, we proudly invest in our nursing workforce who are the leaders of today and architects of the future of healthcare,” said Ms Hooda.
A key highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards recognizing outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional merit, leadership, and impact in nursing and midwifery. The award recipients were:
- The Aga Khan University (Pakistan) Early Career Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award – Ms Rabab Vadivala, Clinical Nurse, Pediatric Nursing, Aga Khan University Hospital.
- The Aga Khan University (Pakistan) Distinguished Nursing Award – Ms Alia Nasir, Principal and Associate Professor, Rufayda Hamdard College of Nursing (RHCN).
- The Aga Khan University (Pakistan) Excellence in Midwifery Practice Award – Dr Arusa Lakhani, Associate Professor and Director Graduate Education, Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan.
The event also featured an interactive online quiz competition, and a leadership roundtable discussion on the future of nursing and midwifery in Pakistan.
The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of SONAM, PK and AKUH to advancing nursing and midwifery through education, research, clinical excellence, and service, while inspiring the next generation of health care leaders.
