WASHINGTON, United States (CMC)–The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on Tuesday called on Caribbean countries to take decisive action to strengthen and expand the area of advanced practice nursing, which is a key strategy to improve access to health services and build stronger, more people-centred health systems.

In a message marking International Nurses Day, PAHO said with nearly 7.4 million professionals, nurses represent the largest group in the health workforce of the Americas, including the Caribbean.

It said that they are on the front lines promoting health, preventing disease, managing chronic conditions and supporting communities, especially in rural and remote areas where physicians are scarce.