The Faculty of Public Health at City University honored the teaching staff of the Nursing Department on the occasion of International Nurses Day during a special ceremony attended by University President Dr. Walid Dagher, Dean of the Faculty Dr. Riyad Madani, alongside faculty members and students.

The event opened with a welcoming speech by Ms. Ranine Nafeh, followed by remarks from Dr. Walid Dagher, who emphasized that International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of nurses, describing them as a cornerstone of the healthcare system. He expressed the university’s pride in its Nursing Department and reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering support for this humanitarian field and its distinguished academic staff, whose efforts continue to graduate highly qualified professionals who proudly represent Lebanon.

Dean Dr. Riyad Madani then addressed both faculty members and students, stressing that nursing staff form the backbone of the healthcare sector and are essential to maintaining the smooth operation of hospitals and clinics. He warned that without nursing professionals, the healthcare system itself would collapse.

He also noted that this occasion, which commemorates the birth anniversary of modern nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, serves as a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of nurses in facing countless pressures and challenges. He praised their vital role in supporting physicians and safeguarding public health across both the public and private sectors. Dr. Madani further highlighted that the global nursing workforce currently stands at around 30 million, with an anticipated shortage of nearly 6 million nurses, underlining the urgent need for greater investment in the profession.

On the academic level, Dr. Madani described the establishment of the Nursing Department 15 years ago as one of the university’s most significant investments, especially at a time when enrollment in nursing studies in North Lebanon was still limited. Today, he noted, the department has grown to become the largest in Lebanon. He added that the department’s graduates possess outstanding academic and practical competencies thanks to the supervision of highly experienced instructors, and are now successfully working both in Lebanon and abroad.

Concluding his speech, Dr. Madani paid tribute to the academic staff, stating: “Your support has been the driving force behind our journey. You have devoted your time and efforts to graduating a generation that combines knowledge with humanitarian values through patience and limitless dedication.” He affirmed that the ceremony was a simple gesture of appreciation for their noble mission.

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Madani, joined by the University President, presented honorary shields to the Nursing Department faculty members in recognition of their academic contributions and their role in preparing generations qualified to serve society. The honorees included Ms. Lara Al-Wafaei, Ms. Atab Sahmarani, Ms. Hanan Halabi, Ms. Suzanne Issa, Ms. Riham Nahileh, Ms. Manal Qassem, Mr. Michel Samarani, Mr. Mohammad Jajiyeh, and Mr. Imad Mourad.

Following the celebration, participants moved to the Faculty of Science building, where educational activities and guided visits to the Nursing Simulation Laboratory were organized.