India, April 7 -- Lauding tireless efforts being made by frontline health workers in the ongoing pandemic, the World Health Organization said that countries in South-East Asia Region need to redouble efforts to strengthen and expand their nurses and midwives' cadre by 1.9 million to achieve health for all by 2030.

"Nurses and midwives are central to quality health services for all, for preventing illness, promoting health throughout the life-course, caring for mothers, newborns and children to giving life-saving immunizations, health advice, and looking after older people. We must redouble our efforts to ensure the nursing and midwifery workforce has the strength, skills and support to meet all people's health needs," said Dr Poonam Khet...