Describe how nursing can contribute to the attachment of sustainable development goals for 2035
Nursing can play a vital role in contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) for 2035 through various ways:
1. Health promotion and education: Nurses can educate individuals, families, and communities on preventive measures to reduce the burden of diseases and promote overall health and well-being. By raising awareness about healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, immunizations, and encouraging behavior change, nurses can contribute to achieving several SDGs related to good health and well-being (SDG 3).
2. Access to healthcare: Nurses are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare. They can play a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services, especially in underserved areas. By providing primary healthcare, triaging patients, and referring them to appropriate healthcare facilities, nurses contribute to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all.
3. Maternal and child health: Nurses play an essential role in promoting maternal and child health, including prenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care, and infant vaccinations. By providing appropriate care, counseling, and support to mothers and newborns, nurses contribute to SDGs 3 (good health and well-being) and 5 (gender equality and empowering women) and help reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
4. Disease prevention and management: Nurses are at the forefront of disease prevention and management. They can contribute to controlling and managing infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and COVID-19, by providing vaccinations, educating individuals on preventive measures, and supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. By actively participating in disease surveillance and control programs, nurses contribute to SDGs 3, 6 (clean water and sanitation), and 8 (decent work and economic growth).
5. Community involvement and advocacy: Nurses often work closely with communities, understanding their needs, and advocating for their rights. They can engage in community development programs, participate in health policy discussions, and promote health equity. By advocating for social determinants of health, such as clean water, sanitation, education, and gender equality, nurses contribute to several SDGs, including 1 (no poverty), 4 (quality education), and 10 (reduced inequalities).
6. Research and evidence-based practice: Nurses can contribute to sustainable development by conducting research and utilizing evidence-based practice. By generating knowledge, evaluating healthcare interventions, and implementing evidence-based guidelines, nurses can improve the quality of care and contribute to achieving SDGs 3, 4, and 17 (partnerships for the goals).
In summary, nursing plays a significant role in achieving the sustainable development goals for 2035 by promoting health, ensuring access to healthcare, focusing on maternal and child health, preventing and managing diseases, advocating for communities, and conducting research. Nurses' commitment to holistic care, health promotion, and patient advocacy positions them as key contributors to sustainable development.