Russia's first national nursing forum spotlights disease prevention and workforce growth

The first All-Russian Nursing Forum opened in Sverdlovsk Region on June 4, drawing nearly 300 delegates from 20 regions across Russia and Kazakhstan. Organised by the Russian Society for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (RSPNCD) and hosted at Ural Federal University, the event focused on strengthening the role of nurses in disease prevention and public health. Tatiana Savinova, Deputy Governor and Health Minister of Sverdlovsk Region, officially launched the forum under the theme Prevention in Action: Uniting Efforts. The gathering highlighted the importance of mid-level medical professionals, who play a key role in patient care with specialised skills and knowledge. Sverdlovsk Region alone employs 38,000 such workers, one of the largest teams in Russia.

During the event, participants shared best practices for improving the health of local residents. These discussions tied into the broader *Healthy Longevity Medicine* initiative, which aims to extend life expectancy and enhance quality of life through preventive healthcare. The forum also coincided with the #HealthyTogether telethon, where further strategies for public well-being were presented. Education played a central role in the discussions. The Sverdlovsk Regional Medical College, with 14,600 enrolled students, is set to graduate 4,000 new specialists by 2026. Governor Denis Pasler has committed to modernising medical training, allocating 500 million rubles next year to upgrade the college’s infrastructure.

The forum underscored the growing importance of nurses in preventing non-communicable diseases and supporting long-term health. With significant investment in training and infrastructure, Sverdlovsk Region aims to strengthen its medical workforce and improve healthcare outcomes for its residents.