Eight Chinese Nurses Win Florence Nightingale Medal

Eight Chinese nurses were awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal on August 26 for their outstanding contributions to health care.

President Hu Jintao, who is also the honorary president of the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), presented the medals to the nurses at a ceremony held in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

China has made great strides in humanitarian causes and will continue to boost the development of humanitarian efforts around the world, Hu said.

The Chinese government will continue its support by strengthening the RCSC's cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and make positive contributions to world peace and development, according to Hu.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang attended the awarding ceremony.

A total of 39 nurses from 19 countries won the Florence Nightingale Medal this year.

The Florence Nightingale Medal, the highest international honor for nurses, was introduced in 1912. A total of 62 Chinese nurses have won the award since the country began to recommend candidates in 1983.

"The Florence Nightingale Medal recognizes the extraordinary commitment, courage, compassion and innovation of nurses and nursing aides who have helped people survive natural disasters and armed conflicts," a post on the ICRC's website says.

The award is named after Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), an English nurse known for her pioneering work in improving medical care for sick and wounded soldiers during the Crimean War (1853-1856).

(Source: Xinhua)