By Praise Chinecherem
A nurse and former Health Coordinator of the Anambra state branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Chinwe Lawrence-Uchenna has won the distinguished Florence Nightingale Medal.
The award recognizes exceptional courage and devotion to victims of armed conflict or natural disaster.
Lawrence-Uchenna, now a registered nurse and Senior Staff Nurse with the Royal Berkshire NHS Fondation Trust, UK, was awarded the medal alongside 36 other outstanding nurses from 22 countries.
The award also recognizes exemplary service or a pioneering spirit in the areas of public health or nursing education.
The recipients were nominated by their respective National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society and selected by a commission comprising the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Council of Nurses.
Chinwe Lawrence-Uchenna, who recently moved to the UK, was active during the Covid -19 outbreak within Anambra State, organising trainings on WASH and Psychosocial support in collaboration with the state .
While in Nigeria, she pioneered the Maiden Malnutrition health programme in collaboration with the Local Government Nutrition department where Ready to use therapeutic food was used to reach out to Malnourished Children within the 21 divisions of the Red Cross society in Anambra State.
The Nightingale award is a testimony of her passion and commitment to service to humanity, maternal and Child health, which she showcased during her period as an Npower Nurse at the Maternal and Child Health Clinic, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
