1. WHO Africa
  2. WHO Representative Underscores Nurses as Frontline Leaders During Annual Nursing and Midwifery Confe...

WHO Representative Underscores Nurses as Frontline Leaders During Annual Nursing and Midwifery Conference

When the world faces a health crisis, it is often the nurse or the midwife who stands first at the patient’s bedside, who hears the community’s fears, and who takes the first brave step into the unknown. Nurses and midwives are not only the backbone of Ghana’s health system; they are the steady hands and compassionate hearts that keep it alive during the toughest times.

This message echoed strongly at the 6th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference, which brought together the Ministry of Health, Leadership of nurses and midwives from all regions, World Health Organization (WHO), professional associations, academia, and partners to reflect on the role of this workforce in advancing health security and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The theme for the annual conference was “Addressing Public Health Emergency Outbreaks: The Role of Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers”

Participants
Photo @Abdul-Rahim Naa Abdul-Lahie/WHOGhana
Representing the Minister of Health, Professor Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the Deputy Minister, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening nursing and midwifery leadership. She noted that the welfare, training, and retention of this workforce remain top priorities as Ghana works to build a resilient health system.
Professor Grace Ayensu-Danqua, Deputy Minister of Health
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/WHOGhana
“Nurses and midwives are the engine of our health system. Their leadership, professionalism, and compassion are vital for delivering quality care and achieving Universal Health Coverage. Government remains committed to supporting their growth, safeguarding their welfare, and creating the conditions for them to thrive as leaders at every level of care”, she said.

She also called on nurses and midwives to embrace innovation, continuous learning, and leadership at all levels, stressing that their role is indispensable in achieving UHC.
Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Ghana Representative
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/WHOGhana
While addressing participants, Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative to Ghana, painted a vivid picture of the current continental and global burden of disease outbreaks. She reminded the audience that these crises are fueled by powerful forces—unplanned urbanization, forced migration, pollution, deforestation, and pressures from intensive agriculture and animal production—that fuel vulnerabilities across Africa.

“Africa’s health systems are uniquely challenged. Due to conflicts and social unrest, rapid urbanization, weak health systems and governance, social vulnerabilities, and the accelerating impacts of climate change”, she said, adding that these realities make the continent particularly susceptible to epidemics.
Dr Fiona Braka
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/WHOGhana
Dr. Braka went further to emphasize the need for stronger systems to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks. She highlighted lessons from COVID-19 and underscored the importance of investing in early warning systems, primary health care, resilient health systems, vaccine equity, and community engagement.

But at the heart of all these systems, she stressed, are nurses and midwives — the ones who translate global strategies into life-saving action on the ground. They lead and coordinate outbreak response efforts, deliver critical care, dispel myths, and build the trust needed for effective public health action.
Group picture
Photo @Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa/WHOGhana
For Ghana, where outbreaks continue to test the resilience of the health system, the conference was more than a gathering. It was a reaffirmation of trust: that with strong leadership, a committed health workforce, and sustained collaboration with partners, the country can weather future crises.

The story of health security is not only written in strategies, policies, or numbers. It is written in the everyday courage of nurses and midwives who embody the strength of Ghana’s health system. And with government and partners like WHO standing alongside them, the vision of a resilient, prepared, and healthier Ghana moves one step closer to reality.

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea@who.int
Tel: +233 20 196 2393