Photo Story: The vital role of nurses and midwives in the European Region

The 7.3 million nurses and midwives in the WHO European Region play a key role in delivering health services to people at all stages of life. Their impact is felt on an individual level by their patients, but they also collectively enhance the strength and resilience of health systems. Some of their key contributions include: empowering and engaging patients; coordinating across sectors to ensure a comprehensive continuum of services; developing innovative ways to rethink service delivery; breaking down boundaries across levels of care and settings; and managing processes for quality and better outcomes. The photo story below offers an up-close look at nurses and midwives in action, showcasing their wide-ranging impact and their vital role as health-care providers.