ArcelorMittal Liberia Internist Doctor Ibrahim Ajami has called for stronger support systems and greater investments in Liberia’s nursing workforce, describing nurses as the “heart of healthcare” during this year’s International Nurses Day celebration in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
Serving as keynote speaker at the countywide event, Dr. Ajami delivered a powerful address centered on the global theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlighting the critical role nurses play in strengthening Liberia’s healthcare delivery system.
“We are gathered here this beautiful day to celebrate the heart of healthcare, our nurses,” Dr. Ibrahim told attendees. “Nurses are more than caregivers; they are leaders, advocates, and lifesavers.”
In his speech, Dr. Ajami acknowledged the difficult realities nurses face across Liberia, including limited medical supplies, high patient-to-nurse ratios, and demanding working hours. Despite these challenges, he praised nurses for their resilience, compassion, and continued commitment to quality patient care.
According to Dr. Ajami, nurses remain indispensable to healthcare systems, often serving as the first and last point of contact for patients in hospitals and clinics nationwide.
He noted that nurses manage a broad range of critical responsibilities, including triage, patient monitoring, infection prevention, health education, and emotional support.
“Nurses are often the backbone of patient care. Their daily commitment directly impacts patient safety, treatment outcomes, and overall healthcare delivery,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ajami stressed that celebrating nurses must be accompanied by meaningful actions aimed at improving their work environment and professional growth.
“Empowering nurses means ensuring access to basic equipment and medications, providing continuous skills training and refresher courses, and involving nurses in decision-making at ward and hospital levels,” he said.
He further explained that stronger support systems for nurses contribute significantly to better patient outcomes, safer maternity care, early detection of complications, and more effective emergency and medical interventions.
“Simply put, strong nurses mean safer hospitals,” he stated.
Addressing the local realities of healthcare workers in Grand Bassa County, Dr. Ibrahim paid tribute to nurses serving in challenging and resource-constrained environments.
“In a place where resources may be limited and challenges are many, our nurses continue to show extraordinary commitment. You work long hours, cover many roles, travel difficult roads, and care for patients who depend on you as their first, and often only source of healthcare,” he said.
Dr. Ajami also advocated increased investment in nurse leadership development, fair and timely remuneration, workplace safety, and mental health support to address burnout and improve workforce wellbeing.
He concluded by reminding stakeholders that the International Nurses Day theme is more than a slogan, but a call to action.
“Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives is not just a slogan—it is a call to invest in nurses, respect their expertise, and protect their wellbeing, because when nurses are empowered, patients survive, hospitals function, and communities thrive,” he concluded.
The event brought together nurses from across Grand Bassa County, including representatives from ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Tubman Memorial Hospital, to celebrate the contributions of nurses and reaffirm their shared commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to support healthcare access and service delivery in its host communities through the operations of Tubman Memorial Hospital and ongoing investments in medical services, health infrastructure, and community wellbeing.
