PAHO urges countries to expand the role of nursing to strengthen health systems in the Americas

Summary: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) wants countries to give nurses more power. Nurses make up the largest group of health workers in the Americas, with nearly 7.4 million professionals. They are often the first to help patients, especially in rural areas. PAHO says we need "advanced practice nurses" who have special training to diagnose and treat patients on their own. While places like the US and Canada already do this, other countries are still working on changing old rules. Giving nurses more freedom helps everyone get better, faster care.

For more details, see rssapp-paho-org-en-news at paho.org/en/news/11-5-2026-paho-urges-countries-expand-role-nursing-strengthen-health-systems-americas (opens in new tab)