The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has joined its colleagues across the globe in condemning the conflict in Ukraine and expressing solidarity with Ukrainian nurses and health care workers.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN), a federation of more than 130 National Nurses Associations (NNAs), launched the #NursesForPeace campaign encouraging nurses world-wide to share their messages of support on social media for the nurses of Ukraine. They also joined the European Federation of Nurses Associations and European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations in creating a global petition calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of health care professionals and facilities and the provision of urgent medical supplies to those in need.
As the leading Australian representative of ICN, in collaboration with the ANMF, ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN personally signed the petition.
"As a humanitarian and nurse, I am deeply concerned by the unfolding events in Ukraine, including reports of attacks on health care facilities and civilians," Adjunct Professor Ward said.
"Nurses and health care professionals are continuing to deliver life-saving care to those in need, despite the immense risk to their own personal safety. Their remarkable bravery and courage must not go unnoticed by the international community.
"The nursing profession is internationally renowned for our compassion, desire to help others and our commitment to improving the health of those we care for through our civic duty. Nowhere in the world should we have to risk our lives by simply turning up to do our jobs.
"Today, I am proud to join my colleagues across the world in calling for an immediate end to the conflict. I also express my support for the people of Ukraine and those in Australia who have family and friends impacted by the conflict.
