Statement:

Distinguished Chairperson, esteemed delegates, and fellow participants,

On behalf of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, an accredited non-State actor, to address the Seventy-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC73)- Agenda Item 8 – The Framework for implementing the Global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery, 2021–2025 in the WHO African Region .Our focus today lies on the pivotal theme of optimizing nursing and midwifery practice, innovation, and research in the WHO African Region.

The COVID-19 pandemic has unequivocally underscored the indispensable role of nurses and midwives in achieving global health objectives, particularly universal health coverage, mental health wellbeing, gender-based violence provisions and health security. These dedicated professionals constitute over 50% of our health workforce. While commendable strides have been made, with the density of nurses and midwives improving from 12 to 18 per 10,000 population between 2005 and 2020, we must recognize that the goal of reaching at least 40 per 10,000 by 2030 necessitates the recruitment of more than 3 million additional nurses and midwives.

The Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2021–2025 (GSDNM), endorsed by the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly in 2021, provides a pivotal roadmap for progress. Highlighted in the comprehensive evaluation, resulting in the framework titled ‘The nursing and midwifery workforce in the African Region: Optimizing and accelerating investments for resilient health systems’.

Aiming to expedite progress towards universal health coverage, resilience, and health security, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa believes that the four framework’s strategic directions should embody:

Aligning and Expanding Education and Training: By expanding training opportunities based on national health needs, we intend to address critical gaps in specialized skills for nurses and midwives. Education must evolve in tandem with evolving healthcare demands. We must also not overlook the role of youth in shaping the future of healthcare, and engage and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. As we lay the groundwork for optimizing nursing and midwifery, let us also invest in nurturing the passion and potential of young individuals who will carry forward the torch of healthcare excellence and resilience.

Stimulating and Sustaining Investments in Decent Employment: Adequate planning and resource allocation are crucial to the employment, deployment, and retention of nurses and midwives. Decent employment contributes to effective healthcare delivery.

Strengthening Leadership, Regulation, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Advocating for nursing and midwifery leadership development, adopting standards for education and practice, and enhancing regulatory mechanisms are key to enhancing the influence and effectiveness of these professions.

Optimizing Practice, Innovation, and Research: Encouraging nurses and midwives to maximize their knowledge and skills, promote innovation, and engage in systematic research will drive ongoing advancements in healthcare practice.

Furthermore, we must recognise that the imperative of “do no harm” as enshrined in the Hippocratic Oath necessitates a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Improving access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and investing in the enhanced environmental management of resources are essential elements of infection prevention and control strategies. By ensuring hygienic conditions and efficient waste management, we safeguard the health of both patients and healthcare workers. Moreover, these efforts are intrinsically linked to building readiness for the complex challenges posed by climate change and its impact on health systems. As we invest in optimizing nursing and midwifery practice, innovation, and research, let us also commit to a holistic approach that embraces environmental stewardship, aligning our pursuits with the broader goal of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of present and future generations in the WHO African Region.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa fervently urges this esteemed Committee to consider and adopt the priority interventions and actions delineated above and in this framework. By supporting these strategies, we reinforce our commitment to a resilient and responsive health system, which will ultimately empower nurses and midwives to contribute even more significantly to the wellbeing of our communities. As we strive for a healthier future for all Africans, we stand ready to collaborate in fostering innovation, research, and excellence within nursing and midwifery practice, so that one billion more people may enjoy better health and wellbeing.

Thank you for your attention.

Name: Her Excellency Toyin Ojora Saraki
Position: Founder-President, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) & Special Advisor, WHO AFRO Independent Advisory Group (IAG)
Date: 22/08/23