BEIJING -- Seven Chinese nurses have been awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal, one of the highest international distinctions for nursing professionals, in recognition of their contributions to health and care.

A total of 35 nurses from 17 countries were honored this year, with China leading in the number of recipients. The announcement comes as the world marks International Nurses Day on May 12.

The Chinese honorees include a nurse from the AIDS Clinical Training Center in Wuhan, a senior medical volunteer with the Hong Kong Red Cross, and an emergency department nurse at a military hospital, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Florence Nightingale Medal is an international honor awarded to exceptional nurses worldwide. Since China first participated in the selection in 1983, 97 Chinese nurses have received this prestigious award.