RNMU Hosted the International Nurses and Midwives Scientific Conference 2025

14 Jan 2026
Kevine Nelly
Updates

Conference Preparation Process

The preparation of the Conference 2025 was a comprehensive, participatory, and well-coordinated process that involved multiple stakeholders and was guided by RNMU’s mission to strengthen nursing and midwifery leadership, research, and professional development in Rwanda and beyond.

The process began with the establishment of a Conference Organizing Committee, composed of RNMU leadership, technical experts, and volunteers assigned to specific sub-committees, including scientific program, logistics and protocol, communications, finance, partnerships, and monitoring and evaluation. Clear roles and responsibilities were defined early to ensure accountability and smooth coordination throughout the preparation period.

A conference concept and theme were developed through consultative discussions, aligning the conference with national health priorities, global nursing and midwifery agendas, and the strategic objectives of RNMU. Based on this, a detailed conference plan and timeline were developed, outlining key milestones including call for abstracts, speaker invitations, sponsorship mobilization, logistics arrangements, and communication activities.

The scientific preparation involved developing and disseminating a call for abstracts, identifying keynote speakers, panellists, and moderators from national and international institutions, and coordinating the abstract review process. Efforts were made to ensure diversity in topics, representation of nurses and midwives from different sectors, and inclusion of early-career professionals and researchers.

In parallel, the logistics and protocol team worked on venue selection, accommodation arrangements, participant registration systems, conference materials, branding, and on-site coordination. Protocol volunteers were recruited and trained to support guest reception, session management, and overall participant experience. Attention was given to accessibility, time management, and adherence to professional conference standards.

The communications and mobilization strategy focused on promoting the conference through emails, social media, official letters, and partner networks to ensure wide participation. RNMU also engaged health science institutions, professional bodies, and development partners to support attendance and visibility of the conference.

Regular planning meetings were held to review progress, address challenges, and adjust strategies as needed. This collaborative and adaptive approach ensured that all components of the conference were well aligned and ready ahead of the event. Overall, the preparation process demonstrated RNMU’s strong organizational capacity, teamwork, and commitment to delivering a high-quality scientific conference for nurses and midwives.

Executive summary

Nurses and midwives are the backbone of healthcare systems, playing a crucial role in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Positioned at the front lines of care, they influence patient outcomes, strengthen public health, and promote equity in access to services. Their contribution is not only clinical but also strategic, shaping how health systems respond to the needs of communities.

In recognition of this vital role, the Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Rwanda, convened the International Nurses and Midwives Conference 2025 from December 10 to 12, 2025, at the Lemigo Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda. This milestone event was supported by strategic partners, including Norad, the Norwegian Nurses Association, the World Health Organization, Pfizer, the Rwanda National Council of Nurses and Midwives, Muganga SACCO, Frontier Diagnostic Center, and UMST University.

The conference was the first of its kind in Rwanda, creating a global platform for nurses, midwives, researchers, educators, healthcare leaders, and policymakers. It provided space for scientific dialogues, professional exchange, policy reflection, and collaborative learning, all aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and accelerating progress toward UHC.

Guided by the theme “Towards Universal Health Coverage: The Role of Nurses and Midwives in Strengthening Healthcare Systems in Developing Countries”, the discussions focused on how nurses and midwives can be better positioned, empowered, and supported to lead transformative change in health service delivery. The program was organized around five interconnected subthemes:

Strengthening Primary Healthcare (PHC) through nursing and midwifery services
Integrating technology and innovation into healthcare delivery
Policy, leadership, and management in nursing and midwifery
Education and training responsive to current health needs
Addressing emerging global challenges affecting health systems

Over the course of two days, the conference hosted 890 delegates representing 100 organizations from 15 countries. The agenda featured four plenary sessions, five keynote speeches, twenty oral abstract presentations, and four poster presentations, each offering fresh insights and practical strategies. Panel discussions and plenaries encouraged participants to reflect on bold actions needed to ensure equitable, high-quality care for all.

A recurring message echoed across sessions: the future of healthcare depends on uniting education, research, and policy to transform the nursing and midwifery professions. Delegates emphasized that by elevating the role of nurses and midwives, integrating innovation, and aligning policy with practice, these professionals can drive the systemic changes required to achieve UHC.

Ultimately, the conference underscored a collective commitment: to harness the leadership and expertise of nurses and midwives as catalysts for resilient, people-centered health systems. It marked a turning point in recognizing their indispensable role, not only in Rwanda but across the global health community.

1. OPENING CEREMONY AND PLENARY SESSION

1.1 Welcome Remarks and Official Opening

Mr. Andre GITEMBAGARA, RNMU President: Welcomed international and local delegates, highlighting Rwanda's significant progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and recognizing the tireless dedication of Rwanda’s nurses and midwives. He emphasized that motivated and well-trained health professionals are the cornerstone of the national health vision.

The Guest of Honour, representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Rukundo Athanase, Head of the Clinical and Public Health Department, officially opened the conference on behalf of the Minister of Health. In his remarks, he emphasized that nurses and midwives are indispensable to building resilient health systems. He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s continued commitment to supporting all initiatives that advance and strengthen these vital professions.

1.2 Keynote speeches

Dr. CHIROMBO Brian, WHO Rwanda Representative:

Emphasized that nurses are not merely assistants but true “clinical guides” and the backbone of Primary Health Care (PHC). To illustrate this, he shared a powerful clinical story from his time as a surgeon in Zimbabwe, where a nurse’s critical intervention prevented a surgical error—demonstrating the indispensable role nurses play in guiding safe and effective care. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to advancing evidence-based practice and strengthening midwifery education, recognizing these as essential tools for reducing maternal and newborn mortality. Key priorities identified included positioning PHC as a life-saving model, expanding midwifery education to address maternal and neonatal deaths, and embedding evidence-based practice across health systems. He further reiterated WHO’s support for Rwanda’s “4 by 4” PHC model, underscoring its potential to build resilient, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all.

Mr. Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses (ICN)

Mr. Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses, expressed his deep honor at returning to Kigali, commending both the city’s beauty and the powerful voices of African nurses represented at the congress. He emphasized that investing in nurses and midwives is an investment in stronger care, stronger advocacy, and stronger leadership, and reaffirmed ICN’s commitment to ensuring these professions have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Mr. Catton highlighted the critical frontline role of nurses in addressing global challenges, including the climate crisis and persistent inequities in workforce distribution, which are exacerbated by aggressive recruitment from high-income countries. He emphasized that strong nursing associations foster strong nurses and strong nurses, in turn, build strong nations.

In closing, he pledged ICN’s unwavering support for nurses and midwives worldwide, including in contexts of disaster and conflict, reinforcing the profession’s indispensable role in advancing resilient and equitable health systems.

2. PANEL DISCUSSIONS: STRATEGIC DIALOGUES

Panel 1: Strengthening PHC through Nursing and Midwifery

Panelists:

1. Dr Brian Chirombo, WHO Rwanda Representative

2. Dr Regis Cyiza, Director of Health Facilities Program, RBC

3. Mr Callixte Habimana, Head of Rugerero Health Center

4. Dr Clemence Nishimwe, Dean, Mount Kigali University

Discussant:

Professor Madeleine Mukeshimana

Speaker Contributions

Dr. Clemence Nishimwe Advocated for transforming nursing and midwifery education from a hospital-centered model to a community-responsive approach. She stressed the urgency of reorienting curricula toward community health, health promotion, and disease surveillance. She also highlighted the potential of digital innovations such as telehealth and mobile applications to extend PHC services to underserved populations.

Dr. Regis Cyiza represented the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and outlined how nursing services are integrated within the structured health system. He emphasized the alignment of nursing contributions with national health facility programs and strategic goals, reinforcing their role in system resilience.

Mr. Callixte Habimana provided a frontline perspective from health center management. He focused on the practical realities of implementing PHC services at the community level, including challenges and opportunities for scaling, strengthening access, and equity.

Thematic highlights

Community Empowerment: A strong PHC system depends on a workforce that is responsive to community needs. Nurses and midwives must be trained and supported to act as agents of empowerment, not just service providers.
Strategic Investment: Panelists agreed that investing in nurses and midwives—through fair salaries, continuous professional development (CPD), and supportive policies—should be viewed as a strategic investment in national health security, rather than a financial burden.
Decentralization: Rwanda’s ongoing decentralization strategy, including the rollout of “second‑generation” health posts, is bringing maternity, laboratory, and pharmacy services closer to communities, strengthening access and equity.

Implications for Policy and Practice

Curriculum Reform: Nursing and midwifery education must evolve to prioritize community health competencies, equipping graduates to address prevention, surveillance, and health promotion at the grassroots level.
Digital Health Integration: Investment in telehealth platforms and mobile applications can significantly expand PHC reach, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Policymakers should prioritize digital literacy and infrastructure for frontline workers.
Workforce Retention: Ensuring fair compensation, CPD opportunities, and a supportive workplace environment is critical to retaining skilled nurses and midwives. This requires sustained commitment from the government, along with a corresponding budget allocation.
Strengthening Health Posts: The decentralization model demonstrates Rwanda’s leadership in bringing services closer to communities. Scaling up “second-generation” health posts can serve as a blueprint for other countries seeking to expand PHC coverage.
Community‑Responsive Leadership: Empowering frontline managers, like health center heads, to adapt services to local realities ensures that PHC remains responsive, resilient, and people centered.

Panel 2: Integrating Technology and Innovation in Healthcare

Panelists:

Dr. David Kamugundu – CEO, eFiche
Dr. Nyiringango Gerard – Nursing Educator, University of Rwanda
Dr. Marie Elise Ngabire – Clinical Attachment Analyst, Ministry of Health
Dr. Suzan Homeida – Managing Director, Frontiers Diagnostic Center

Discussant:

Justin Ruhumuriza

Speaker Contributions

Dr. David Kamugundu (CEO, eFiche)

Demonstrated how the eFiche platform is designed to revolutionize healthcare provision.
Highlighted benefits such as improved documentation, automation of processes, and streamlined workflows.
Introduced an AI component within eFiche to support healthcare providers in making more accurate and timely clinical decisions.

Dr. Suzan Homeida (Managing Director, Frontiers Diagnostic Center)

Emphasized the importance of creating a safe learning environment for students through technology.
Discussed the use of AI in education, tailored to specific training needs.
Advocated for simulation-based education and team-based assimilation to strengthen clinical competencies.
Highlighted the role of innovation at the point of care, particularly in medical imaging, for accurate and timely diagnosis.

Dr. Nyiringango Gerard (Nursing Educator, University of Rwanda)

Shared insights on how nursing and midwifery education must evolve to sustain the provision of quality care.
Stressed the need to integrate technology and innovation into curricula to prepare graduates for modern healthcare challenges.

Dr. Marie Elise Ngabire (Clinical Attachment Analyst, Ministry of Health)

Addressed current challenges in clinical placements for health profession students, including limited capacity and supervision.
Explained how digital networks and platforms can be leveraged to overcome these challenges, improving the quality and accessibility of clinical attachment experiences.

Key Thematic Highlights

Digital Transformation: Technology platforms such as eFiche demonstrate how digital innovation can streamline processes, enhance documentation, and support clinical decision-making.
Education Innovation: AI-driven and simulation-based training models are reshaping how students learn, ensuring safer environments and more tailored skill development.
Curriculum Evolution: Nursing and midwifery education must adapt to integrate digital tools, preparing graduates to deliver high-quality, technology-enabled care.
Clinical Placement Reform: Digital networks can bridge gaps in clinical attachments, offering scalable solutions to supervision and training challenges.
Point‑of‑Care Innovation: Advances in medical imaging and diagnostics highlight the potential of technology to improve accuracy and patient outcomes.
Implications for Policy and Practice
1. Scaling Digital Platforms: Policymakers should prioritize investment in technology platforms like eFiche to strengthen documentation, automate workflows, and enhance clinical decision-making.
2. Embedding Technology in Education: Nursing and midwifery curricula must integrate AI, simulation, and digital tools to prepare students for the realities of modern healthcare.
3. Strengthening Clinical Attachments: Ministries of Health and universities should collaborate to expand digital networks that support student placements, ensuring equitable access to quality training.
4. Innovation at the Point of Care: Diagnostic centers and frontline facilities should adopt innovative technologies to improve accuracy and reduce delays in care.
5. Workforce Readiness: Continuous professional development (CPD) programs must incorporate digital literacy and innovation skills, ensuring nurses and midwives remain at the forefront of healthcare transformation.
Panel 3: Resilient Nursing and Midwifery Workforce: Responding to Global Health Challenges in a Changing World

Panelists:
1. Dr. François Uwinkindi – NCDs Division Manager, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC)
2. Dr. John Nkuranga – Referral Hospitals Representative
3. Juliet, Rwanda Association of Midwives (RAM) Representative
Discussant: Dr. Irimaso, University of Rwanda

Speaker Contributions

Dr. François Uwinkindi (RBC)
- Discussed the integration of NCD management at decentralized levels, ensuring care is closer to communities.
- Highlighted the role of Registered Nurses in managing NCDs such as hypertension, asthma, and type 2 diabetes at health centers.
Dr. John Nkuranga (Referral Hospitals Representative)
- Provided insights into how referral hospitals are adapting to the epidemiological shift toward NCDs, emphasizing the need for specialized workforce training.
- Focused on the policy frameworks required to support frontline workers in specialized roles.
- Stressed the importance of aligning workforce resilience strategies with national health priorities.
Juliet Mukankusi (Representative, RAM)
- Emphasized the central role of midwives in Rwanda’s “Mission 2027” strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.
- Outlined targets: 90% HPV vaccination, 70% screening with high-performance tests, and 90% treatment coverage for identified cases
- Key Thematic Highlights
  - Epidemiological Shift: NCDs now account for 46% of deaths in health facilities and 61% of deaths in the community, with hypertension prevalence rising to 16.8% and diabetes steady at 2.9%. Risk factors such as high salt consumption (8.8g daily average) and alcohol use remain major concerns.
  - Resilience and Specialization: Continuous capacity building is needed to strengthen community awareness and empower nurses and midwives to manage NCDs. The PEN‑Plus model was highlighted as a framework for nurses and midwives to manage complex conditions such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, and heart failure.
  - Cancer Elimination: Midwives are positioned as frontline leaders in Rwanda’s Mission 2027 cervical cancer strategy, driving vaccination, screening, and treatment efforts.
  - Expanded Workforce Roles: Nurses and midwives must serve as frontline agents for cancer screening and early detection, provide palliative care services, and ensure adherence to treatment protocols while identifying complications early.
  Implications for Policy and Practice
  1. Decentralized NCD Care: Strengthening the role of nurses at health centers is critical to managing the rising burden of NCDs.
  2. Midwives in Cancer Elimination: Midwives must be empowered and resourced to lead cervical cancer elimination efforts, aligning with Rwanda’s Mission 2027 targets.
  3. Capacity Building: Continuous training and specialization are essential to equip nurses and midwives for emerging global health challenges.
  4. PEN‑Plus Expansion: Scaling the PEN‑Plus model can ensure equitable access to care for severe NCDs, particularly in rural communities.
  5. Policy Support: Strong representative frameworks and supportive policies are needed to sustain workforce resilience and protect frontline workers.
  Panel 4: Policy, Leadership, and Management in Nursing and Midwifery
  
  Panelists:
  1. Andre Gitembagara – President, Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU)
  2. Dr. Augustine Ndaimane – Acting Chair, Center for Nursing and Midwifery, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)
  3. Tengera Olive – Head of Midwifery Department, University of Rwanda
  4. Dr. Harerimana Jean de Dieu -- Technical Advisor (Health Financing), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
  Discussant:
  
  Dr. Muraraneza Claudine
  
  Speaker Contributions
  
  Andre Gitembagara (RNMU President)
  - Focused on the role of professional unions in advocacy and policy influence.
  - Emphasized the need for motivated nurses and midwives to achieve national health goals.
  - Highlighted the importance of leadership that protects and empowers the workforce, ensuring their voices are heard in policy spaces.
  Dr. Augustine Ndaimane (UGHE)
  - Addressed the intersection of global health leadership and equity.
  - Discussed how nursing management must evolve to lead multidisciplinary teams in complex environments, drawing on experiences from UGHE.
  - Stressed the importance of equipping nurse leaders with skills to navigate global health challenges.
  Tengera Olive (University of Rwanda)
  - Represented the midwifery perspective in policy development.
  - Focused on the importance of specialized leadership roles in maternal health, ensuring midwifery-led care is integrated into national healthcare management strategies.
  - Advocated for stronger recognition of midwives as leaders in shaping maternal and newborn health outcomes.
  Dr. Harerimana Jean de Dieu (CHAI)
  
  · Provided insights on the financial frameworks and resource allocation strategies required to sustain high-quality nursing and midwifery services in developing countries.
  - Emphasized the importance of health financing reforms that prioritize frontline workers, ensuring nurses and midwives are adequately resourced to deliver equitable care.
  - Stressed the need for innovative financing models that balance limited resources with the growing demand for specialized services, particularly in maternal and newborn health.
  - - Advocacy and Policy Influence: Professional unions are pivotal in shaping health policy, ensuring that nurses and midwives are empowered to actively contribute to national health priorities and reforms.
    - Leadership and Equity: Nursing leadership must evolve to confront equity challenges, guiding diverse, multidisciplinary teams in increasingly complex health environments.
    - Midwifery Leadership: Specialized leadership roles in maternal health are essential to embed midwifery-led care into national strategies, thereby strengthening maternal and newborn outcomes.
    - Management Frameworks: Sustainable and adaptable management structures are required to uphold high-quality services in resource-limited settings, aligning with the broader goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
    Implications for Policy and Practice
    1. Strengthening Professional Unions: Continued support for unions such as RNMU is vital to amplify the collective voice of nurses and midwives, ensuring their perspectives shape health policy and workforce strategies.
    2. Leadership Development: Investment in leadership training programs will equip nurses and midwives to manage multidisciplinary teams effectively and champion equity in healthcare delivery.
    3. Midwifery Integration: National health strategies should explicitly recognize and integrate midwifery leadership roles, positioning midwives as central actors in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
    4. Resilient Management Models: Developing flexible and context-responsive management frameworks is essential to sustain service quality in resource-constrained environments and advance progress toward UHC.
    5. Empowerment and Motivation: Policies must prioritize the protection, motivation, and empowerment of the nursing and midwifery workforce, recognizing these as foundational elements of resilient and people-centered health systems.
    Panel 5: Nursing and Midwifery Education Responding to Current Health Needs
    
    Panelists:
    1. Prof. Bazirete Olive – Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery (UR)
    2. Dr. Aloys Niyomugabo – Recent PhD Graduate, UR/SoNM
    3. Dr. Edna Tallam‑Kimaiyo – Head of Department, Amref International University
    Discussant:
    
    Mr. Emmanuel Munyaneza
    
    Speaker Contributions
    
    Dr. Edna Tallam‑Kimaiyo (Amref International University)
    - Advocated for a paradigm shift from a hospital-centered (reactive/curative) model to a community-centered (preventive/promotive) approach.
    - Identified critical gaps in current education, including insufficient community practicum time, limited digital skills for telehealth, and weak alignment with emerging priorities such as One Health and NCD prevention.
    - Proposed a strategic vision that includes mandatory PHC and community rotations, competency-based problem solving, and stronger collaboration between professional nurses and Community Health Workers (CHWs).
    Prof. Bazirete Olive (UR)
    - Outlined Rwanda’s national transformation in nursing and midwifery education, emphasizing competency-based and community-oriented curriculum reform.
    - Highlighted strategic actions such as hybrid/digital learning, standardized skills labs for clinical training, and specialty programs in critical care and oncology.
    - Projected the impact of these reforms as creating a “future-ready” workforce capable of improving Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) outcomes and responding effectively to public health threats and NCDs by 2030.
    Dr. Aloys Niyomugabo (UR/SoNM)
    - Represented the new generation of nursing researchers, emphasizing the integration of advanced evidence-based research into curricula.
    - Highlighted how research-driven education can improve patient outcomes and strengthen the scientific foundation of nursing practice.
    - Key Thematic Highlights
      - Paradigm Shift in Education: Moving from hospital-centered to community-centered models is essential to meet current and future health needs.
      - Curriculum Reform: Competency-based, community-oriented curricula, supported by digital learning and specialty programs, are reshaping nursing and midwifery education in Rwanda.
      - Clinical Practice Integration: Bridging academic training with advanced clinical practice ensures graduates are prepared for referral hospital settings and specialized care.
      - Research and Innovation: Embedding evidence-based research into education strengthens patient outcomes and builds a more resilient workforce.
      Implications for Policy and Practice
      1. Community‑Responsive Education: Nursing and midwifery curricula must prioritize community health, prevention, and promotive care to address emerging global health challenges.
      2. Digital and Hybrid Learning: Investment in digital platforms and telehealth training is critical to prepare graduates for modern healthcare delivery.
      3. Specialty Programs: Expanding specialty tracks (e.g., critical care, oncology) will equip the workforce to respond to complex health needs.
      4. Clinical‑Academic Linkages: Stronger partnerships between universities and referral hospitals are needed to align training with advanced practice requirements.
      5. Research Integration: Embedding evidence-based research into curricula will ensure nursing and midwifery education remains innovative, outcome-driven, and globally relevant.
      3. SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACT PRESENTATIONS
      
      3.1 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health
      - Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) in Down Syndrome: Vedaste Bagweneza’s study revealed a 59.55% prevalence of CHDs among children with Down Syndrome in Rwanda, underscoring the urgent need for community-level screening and early intervention.
      - Maternal Health Education: Chantal Nyiraneza demonstrated that structured health education programs significantly improve antenatal care (ANC) outcomes in Rwamagana, highlighting the value of targeted maternal health interventions.
      - Postpartum Mental Health: Emmanuel Turikumana proposed a low-cost “mirror‑self-praise talk” therapy to address the high prevalence (19.8%) of postpartum mental disorders in developing nations, offering a scalable psychosocial solution.
      3.2 Specialized Clinical Research
      - Kidney Disease Screening: Josephine Atieno Ogutu presented a Kenyan nurse‑led screening model within PHC settings, which successfully enhanced early detection of chronic kidney disease.
      - Cervical Cancer Elimination: Peace Mutoni outlined Rwanda’s “90‑70‑90” strategy (90% HPV vaccination, 70% screening, 90% treatment) aimed at eliminating cervical cancer by 2027, positioning midwives and nurses as central actors.
      - Schizophrenia Discharge Readiness: Rugamba Rugero Fiacre identified a strong correlation between high-quality discharge teaching and reduced symptom relapses among schizophrenia patients, emphasizing the importance of patient education in mental health care.
      3.3. Digital Innovation in Healthcare
      - IKY Matrix: Yves Irakiza introduced a digital tool enabling nurses and midwives to access emergency clinical protocols via USSD (*999#) and QR codes, ensuring life-saving knowledge is instantly available.
      - VUGA NDAKUMVA Initiative: David Niyomugabo presented a tech-enabled, survivor-centered platform that strengthens Rwanda’s response to Gender‑Based Violence (GBV) through safe digital reporting and integrated mental health support.
      - eFiche Platform: Dr. David Kamugundu demonstrated how AI-assisted documentation and automation can improve clinical decision-making and workflow efficiency.
      - Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Emmanuel Nizeyimana highlighted that while EMRs enhance documentation, nurses require strategic empowerment and training to overcome technical barriers to adoption.
      3.4. Cross-Cutting Issues: Workforce and Community
      - Substance Abuse in Healthcare: Brian Jack Muhimele reported a 60% prevalence of substance use among health workers and students in Malawi, driven by economic hardship and workplace stress, calling for urgent workforce support strategies.
      - Nursing Career Choice: Marie Louise Nyiransabimana found that while altruism motivates nursing students, low professional prestige and gender stereotypes remain significant barriers to career choice and retention.
      - Oral Health Literacy: Vincent Irambona showcased a youth-led digital campaign in Kamonyi District that increased preventive dental consultations by 15%, demonstrating the impact of community-driven health promotion.
      - Burnout Syndrome: Dr. Irene Korkoi Aboh’s study in Ghana identified emotional exhaustion and depersonalization as key risks for HDU nurses, recommending the establishment of hospital-based counseling units to mitigate burnout.
      4. CONFERENCE PLENARY AND CLOSING
      
      Plenary: Transforming Primary Healthcare through Nursing and Midwifery Leadership – Pathways to Universal Health Coverage
      
      Keynote Speaker: Prof. Zethu Nkosi
      
      1. Recognition of Rwanda’s Healthcare Milestone
      
      ·         Prof. Nkosi opened by commending the Government of Rwanda and the Ministry of Health for their remarkable progress in expanding health coverage.
      
      ·         She noted that Rwanda’s achievements, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), stand as a model for other developing nations striving toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
      
      2. Africa as a Global Health Destination
      
      ·         Prof. Nkosi underscored a historic shift in global health dynamics, emphasizing that Africa is increasingly recognized as a destination for quality health services.
      
      ·         She pointed out that patients from other continents are now seeking care in African nations, drawn by the continent’s rising standards in medical practice and the dedication of its health workforce.
      
      3. The Pathway to Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
      
      ·         Leadership as the Driver: Prof. Nkosi stressed that achieving UHC is impossible without strong leadership from nurses and midwives. She argued that they must be seen not merely as implementers of care but as the architects of Primary Health Care (PHC) systems.
      
      ·         Pathways to Transformation: