The 18th biannual general meeting of the West African Post Graduate College of Nursing and Midwifery, held in Monrovia, Liberia, served as a crucial platform for regional collaboration on strengthening healthcare systems. President Joseph Boakai, addressing the assembly of delegates, underscored his government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering healthcare delivery not just within Liberia, but across the entire West African region. He accentuated the importance of collaborative efforts among West African nations to effectively combat disease outbreaks and prevent their spread, thereby demonstrating a regional perspective on health security. The President’s welcoming remarks acknowledged the significance of the meeting’s location in Monrovia and encouraged productive discussions aimed at elevating healthcare standards throughout the region. This high-level political endorsement set a positive tone for the meeting and highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing health challenges.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the West African Post Graduate College of Nursing and Midwifery to advocate for its own institutional development. Dr. Saleh Garba, the President of the College, appealed to West African governments for financial support to construct the College’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. While land acquisition had already been secured, Dr. Garba explained that a significant decrease in international funding necessitated support from regional governments. This request underscores the financial challenges faced by institutions crucial to healthcare capacity building and the increasing reliance on regional partnerships to sustain essential training programs. The construction of a dedicated headquarters symbolizes the College’s commitment to establishing a firm foundation for advanced nursing and midwifery education in West Africa.
The overarching theme of the conference, “Collaboration and Partnership towards Improving Quality Healthcare in the West African Region,” resonated throughout the proceedings. Mrs. Woseh Gobeh-Weah, a prominent Liberian public health expert, delivered the keynote address, urging nurses and midwives to proactively engage with governments to secure increased funding for healthcare initiatives. Furthermore, she advocated for a more scientifically rigorous approach to nursing and midwifery practice as a key driver for improving the quality of healthcare services. This call to action emphasized the vital role of healthcare professionals in advocating for better resources and in adopting evidence-based practices to enhance patient care. Her address provided a framework for the meeting’s discussions and reinforced the conference theme’s focus on collaborative improvement.
The meeting also served as a platform for recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of nursing, midwifery, and healthcare in West Africa. Several distinguished figures were awarded honorary fellowships, including First Lady Katumu Boakai, Mrs. Woseh Gobeh-Weah, and Augustus Flomo. These awards acknowledged their dedication and leadership in the health sector and served as an inspiration for future generations of healthcare professionals. The recognition bestowed upon these individuals highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating contributions to the healthcare field, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for improving health outcomes.
The gathering in Monrovia brought together over 450 delegates from various countries across West Africa, exemplifying the regional scope of the conference and the desire for collaborative problem-solving in healthcare. This diverse representation ensured that the discussions and recommendations emanating from the meeting would reflect the unique challenges and opportunities present in different parts of the region. The assembly of such a large number of healthcare professionals and policymakers signified the growing recognition of the importance of regional collaboration to address common health concerns.
In conclusion, the 18th biannual general meeting of the West African Post Graduate College of Nursing and Midwifery in Monrovia served as a powerful testament to the growing commitment to regional cooperation in strengthening healthcare systems. From President Boakai’s affirmation of support to Dr. Garba’s plea for regional funding, the meeting highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in addressing healthcare challenges. Mrs. Gobeh-Weah’s keynote address provided a clear roadmap for improvement, emphasizing the need for increased government funding and a more scientific approach to healthcare delivery. The conferment of honorary fellowships recognized individuals who have made substantial contributions to the health sector, inspiring others to dedicate themselves to improving health outcomes. The participation of over 450 delegates from across West Africa underscored the regional scope of the event and the collective determination to work together towards achieving a healthier future for all. This meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration and reinforced the importance of partnership in building robust and resilient healthcare systems across West Africa.
