LAUTECH Don Hails Public Health Nurses’ Crucial Role During Pandemics

Professor Florence Oluwayemisi Adeyemo, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has commended Public Health Nurses (PHNs) for their critical contributions, particularly during the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics.

Delivering the University’s 71st Inaugural Lecture, titled "Public Health Nursing as A Frontline Profession in Preventive Health Care," Professor Adeyemo highlighted that PHNs perform multiple roles in the health sector while enhancing the social impact of health interventions.

“They seek punctual, reactive, and technical solutions to specific problems and ensure sustainable approaches,” she said.

“Our study identifies areas in Public Health Nursing requiring intensified effort, including the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases, improving the health status of pupils and students, and advancing Maternal and Child Health Nursing.”

PHNs made the greatest impact in public health services and interventions during Ebola and COVID-19. Many described their work as enjoyable and rewarding as patients’ health improved. As infections and deaths declined, they received gratitude from patients, families, and society, boosting their sense of fulfillment.

“They overcome challenges with greater professional confidence and competence, gaining new knowledge and skills to equip them for future pandemic situations,” Professor Adeyemo added.