Each year on May 12th, the world comes together to celebrate International Nurses Day, commemorating the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This significant occasion not only highlights the critical role nurses play in health systems globally, but also reflects on the challenges they face and the support they deserve.
The 2025 theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for nurses strengthens economies,” reminds us that nurse wellbeing is central not only to healthcare quality but also to national development and resilience. This year’s message, led by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), emphasises that supporting nurses is an investment in stronger communities and healthier futures.
Among those leading this call to action is Debbie Fred, an alumna of the Australia Awards program in Vanuatu, whose journey is a remarkable example of dedication, professional growth, and leadership in nursing.
For Debbie, International Nurses Day is a moment of deep significance.
“Personally, the day provides a time to reflect and a reminder of how resilient and selfless nurses are. Professionally, it’s a time to honour the invaluable contribution that nurses bring to the health system. They will always remain the backbone of healthcare.”
These reflections are rooted in her years of experience as a nurse, and more recently, as a health leader working at the intersection of clinical practice and public health.
Debbie’s career trajectory took a transformative turn after receiving the Australia Awards scholarship.
“Since receiving the scholarship, my experience as a nurse has evolved in ways I had never imagined. It opened doors to advanced education and leadership development, transforming how I view my role—not just as a nurse, but as a change maker in our health system.”
Through her studies, Debbie gained the tools and confidence to become a stronger advocate for both her patients and the broader nursing profession, setting an example for future generations of nurses in Vanuatu.
Currently, Debbie serves as the Safe and Affordable Surgery (SAS) and Early Essential Newborn Care (EENC) Officer with the World Health Organisation (WHO). In this role, she supports the Vanuatu Ministry of Health to strengthen critical areas of care:
“My work involves coordinating the development of a national plan for surgery, obstetrics, and anaesthesia services, as well as supporting the implementation of EENC interventions to improve survival and outcomes for mothers and newborns.”
Her work is a testament to the vital leadership roles nurses can play in shaping health systems and policies.
As a passionate advocate, Debbie has a clear vision for how Vanuatu can better support its nursing workforce, including stronger investment in nursing education and career development, clearer roles and recognition for nurses in policy and planning, improved working conditions and support systems, stronger frameworks for professional regulation and advocacy and recognition of nurses as leaders in primary healthcare and emergency response.
These priorities reflect a broader call to action for governments and communities to place nurses at the forefront of healthcare reform.
Debbie’s commitment to service continues through her contribution to health system strengthening in Vanuatu:
“My Australia Awards experience gave me advanced knowledge in public health and policy that I now use to support the Ministry of Health. This includes helping hospitals identify capacity gaps and providing targeted training and quality improvement initiatives.”
Her efforts ensure that the knowledge she gained abroad directly benefits the health and wellbeing of people in her home country.
To young people in Vanuatu considering a career in nursing, Debbie offers heartfelt encouragement:
“Nursing is more than just a job—it’s a calling to serve, to lead, and to make a real difference in people’s lives. Our healthcare system needs more nurses, especially now as we face increasing health challenges. If you’re considering this path, know that your work will matter deeply.”
On this International Nurses Day 2025, we honour nurses like Debbie Fred—whose work exemplifies compassion, courage, and leadership. Her journey from scholarship recipient to national health leader is an inspiring reminder of the profound impact nurses can have on both individual lives and entire health systems.
Let us celebrate their efforts, listen to their voices, and ensure they are empowered to lead our communities to healthier futures.