<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;">Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in collaboration with National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) organised a forum to celebrate International Nurses Day at the Hospitals lecture theatre under the theme <em>Nurses: A force for change: care effective</em>, cost effective.The event was attended by Mr Shawn Bulouki, the hospital’s CEO, Professor Yasmin Amarsi, Dean, Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM), Jemimah Kimeu, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, AKUH, Dr Nilufa Shariff, Academic Head, AKU-SONAM, Mr Michael Kirui, Chairman, NNAK, AKUH branch, members of the Senior Management Team and nurses.</span><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;">Mr Bolouki recognised the critical role played by nurses and promised to support their initiatives at the hospital. “Nursing is the backbone of healthcare and requires utmost support to achieve the best quality medical care. I’m open to discussions that will best improve customer service experience and the quality of care in this facility.” He said.</span><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;">Professor Amarsi said, “Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the world and nurses are key to achieving the Millennium Development Goals as they are the majority players in the healthcare sector. Our nurses are well trained and educated to maintain the health and wellness of the patients through all aspects including psychological, emotional, social etc.”</span><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;">“As we reflect on our impact and contribution to the healthcare system, we also need to embrace research in clinical health and clinical education and empower ourselves in aspects of budgeting finances and strategic planning to improve the nursing profession.” Said Michael Kirui. </span><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;">The CEO also awarded nurses selected for their ourstanding services to patients at the hospital.The event is held annually to celebrate nurse’s vocation and the huge difference they make to the lives of over seven billion people worldwide.</span><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/><br style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-family: helvetica;"/>