URGENT NOTICE TO ALL NURSES AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS As you may be aware, the recent withholding of USAID funding by the US government has significantly impacted the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Unfortunately, this decision affects the availability of free HIV medications and treatment for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS In light of this development, we urge all nurses and healthcare professionals to exercise extreme caution when rendering care to patients. It is essential to prioritize your safety and well-being, as the risks associated with needlestick injuries and nosocomial infections are now more pronounced. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS To minimize risks, please adhere to the following guidelines: - Avoid unnecessary procedures that may pose a risk of needlestick injuries or nosocomial infections. - Always take necessary precautions to protect yourself, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following proper infection control protocols. REMEMBER: SAFETY FIRST, SAFETY ALWAYS As healthcare professionals, we must prioritize our safety and well-being. While empathy and compassion are essential components of our profession, we must not compromise our own safety in the process. PROFESSIONAL EMPATHY VS. SYMPATHY As we navigate this challenging situation, let us strive to be professionally empathetic while maintaining our own safety and well-being. We owe it to ourselves, our patients, and our profession to prioritize safety and caution. Stay safe, and let us continue to provide compassionate and professional care to our patients.