To mark international Nurses today, the Metoreia Health Centre in Port Moresby city paused for an hour to celebrate and acknowledge the selfless dedication, service, and vital contributions of its nurses, with a small but significant ceremony this morning. Acting Manager and Health Extension Officer (HEO) Ms. Regina Wuri said before any patient sees a doctor, nurses are there to attend to the patient first which makes them the frontline workers who provide firsthand service and care and therefore, it is important to celebrate the day to remember those who had once served and those who are currently serving. “For Metoreia, it’s our first year of operation and celebration and our key workers in the country who are at the forefront of the country, province vital services. Before you see a doctor or anyone else, nurses are there,” said Ms. Wuri. “We acknowledge their service and dedication to the country with the theme: Our Nurses, Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.” Metoreia has a total of 18 nursing officers, 8 community health workers and 9 midwives who have helped delivered over 137 babies since the opening of the health center in January 2025. She urged the government and leaders to come in and support the nurses in any way possible as frontline workers. “We also need to engage more nurses to serve our communities because over the last 6 months of operation, we’ve served over 10, 000 people and the challenge continuous to increase and so as demand for service." Hence, she said the addition of more nurses is required to address these issues.