Vihiga Governor Dr Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo has reaffirmed the importance of strengthening nursing and midwifery as key pillars in the delivery of quality and resilient healthcare across the East, Central and Southern Africa region.

Governor Ottichilo made the remarks during the 17th East, Central and Southern Africa College of Nursing and Midwifery (ECSACONM) Biennial Scientific Conference held at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.

The conference, held under the theme “Nurses and Midwives Sustaining Quality Healthcare in a Changing World”, brought together nursing and midwifery leaders and other healthcare stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for improving healthcare delivery amid a rapidly changing global health environment.

During the opening ceremony, Dr Ottichilo delivered a keynote address as the goodwill ambassador for the Kenyan delegation, highlighting the critical role of nurses and midwives in strengthening healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.

He also expressed appreciation for the recognition he received for his continued support to ECSACONM since 2019, describing the recognition as an encouragement to sustain efforts towards advancing professional excellence in nursing and midwifery.

The conference provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, share experiences and explore innovative approaches to strengthening the nursing and midwifery professions, which form an essential part of healthcare delivery in the region.

ECSACONM was established in 1990 as an executing arm of the then Commonwealth Regional Health Community Secretariat for East, Central and Southern Africa (CRHCS-ECSA) in the area of nursing and midwifery. The Arusha-based secretariat is currently known as the ECSA Health Community (ECSA HC), bringing together 14 regional member states.

As an executing arm of the ECSA Health Community, ECSACONM is mandated to promote and strengthen professional excellence in nursing and midwifery across the ECSA region.

The opening ceremony was officially presided over by Zanzibar Minister for Health Nassor Ahmed Mazrui on behalf of the President of Zanzibar.

The minister’s presence underscored the importance attached to strengthening the nursing and midwifery professions as countries work towards building resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to emerging and evolving healthcare needs.

The conference marked the beginning of discussions on the future of nursing and midwifery, with participants expected to share practical solutions and forge partnerships aimed at sustaining quality healthcare across the region.

By Rose Wasike