The Norwegian Nurses Organisation (NNO) has backed demands by its local sister organization, the National Organization of Nurses and Midwives in Malawi (NONM), to have their salaries and other benefits revised.
NNO president Lill Sverresdatter Larsen, in a statement shared with this publication, says they stand in unwavering solidarity with their Malawian counterparts in their demands for upward adjustment in their remuneration.
Larsen says it is sad that despite the exhaustive efforts in the conciliation process, involving amongst others the Ministry of Health and the Malawi Human Rights Commission, the Government of Malawi has failed to uphold the terms of the agreement.
“We therefore express our full support for industrial action to hold the government accountable to their commitments. It is a fundamental right to engage in peaceful demonstrations and we commend NONM and NONM’s allies for the courage to stand up for their members, and to hold those in power responsible,” reads the statement in part.
Larsen adds that nurses and midwives are the backbone of any health system; hence, it is with deep concern that the country continues to witness all the challenges healthcare workers at the frontlines are facing.
She notes that nurses and midwives are overworked and undervalued across the country.
“They deserve fair compensation through a living wage that takes into account the worsening economic situation and sharp increase in the most basic living expenses. The failure to address these concerns severely jeopardizes the quality of care provided to Malawian citizens and communities. Our profession is built on principles of compassion, integrity, and respect, and it is imperative that all stakeholders uphold these values,” she says.’
“We thus call upon the government to take immediate action to address the issues at hand,” concludes Larsen.
