Nurses and midwives form a critical part of the health workforce everywhere in the world. The quality of their work output directly results in the quality of the health of people in the areas and communities they serve. To further improve the work of nurses and midwives in Ghana, the Ministry of Health is holding its 4th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers’ Conference and 3rd Excellence Awards under the theme: “Leading Nursing and Midwifery Health Workforce: Achieving Positive Health Outcomes for Universal Health Coverage.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, who welcomed participants to the region mentioned, “[Nurses and midwives] are the backbone of our health system. We celebrate your dedication to healthcare in this country.” The Regional Minister added, “I look forward to innovations and collaborations that will arise from this conference”, he added.
The UNFPA Ghana Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, participated in the opening ceremony of the conference, where in a keynote address to the nurses and midwives, charged them to offer quality health services for improved health outcomes of the population. The UNFPA Representative called on leaders of midwifery and nursing institutions in the country to comply with education accreditation standards, the quality of the teaching staff, and also ensure adequate practical training.
UNFPA Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, delivering the keynote address at the 4th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers’ Conference and 3rd Excellence Awards.
Dr. Ochan equally shared his vision for a quality health workforce in Ghana by nurses and midwives marked by the delivery of quality services in a conducive environment where support needs of patients are met. He added that he envisions a situation where. “People are happy and the staff conduct regular individual-centered clinic based, family-focused and community-oriented services to meet the diverse needs of the disease pattern.”
To conclude his address, the UNFPA Representative appealed to the various nursing and midwifery associations in the country to unite as an ‘association with one unequivocal voice of representation.’ He called for the leaders and members to advance the interests of their association in a single voice and remain committed to the professional development and welfare of members to help them serve Ghana better.
The conference was attended by Government officials, heads of international development agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), as well as selected nurses and midwives across the sixteen (16) regions of Ghana.
