Under the theme “African Nurses and Midwives Fostering Health for All in Africa,” the conference provided a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy in advancing healthcare systems across the continent.

The conference brought together representatives from 17 African countries, including affiliates of Public Services International (PSI) such as the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa (DENOSA) and the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN).

Collectively they reflected on the commitment of nurses and midwives to championing accessible and equitable healthcare for all. More than just a theme, the call to action underscored the vital role of nurses and midwives as the backbone of healthcare systems in Africa.

Public Services International (PSI) actively participated in the conference, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening public healthcare systems in Africa and fighting for decent work for nurses across the region

The maiden ANMC conference marks the beginning of a new era of collective action, where African nurses and midwives stand united. This unity empowers them in their mission to foster health for all, and it invites the audience to join this more significant movement for change.

The President of PSI affiliate the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), who is also the interim treasurer of ANMC, Sister Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, reiterated in her welcome speech that financing the healthcare system remains a significant challenge in Africa.

She suggested that a sustainable alternative to austerity measures for Africa is to explore ways of implementing progressive taxation and increasing taxes on higher earners and corporations to generate more revenue for public services, including healthcare. This approach, she claims, allows for a fairer distribution of the tax burden and enables the government to allocate more resources to the public health system.

Addressing the gathering, Brother Daniel Oberko, PSI Regional Secretary for Africa and the Arab Region, emphasised the indispensable role of nurses and midwives in ensuring robust health systems. He urged Nursing and Midwifery Trade Unions to collaborate with PSI in advocating for  decent work, stronger nurses unions and stronger health systems across the continent.

PSI pledged its continued technical support and collaboration with the ANMC leadership to fight for decent work for all nurses and drive sustainable healthcare reforms. The conference concluded with renewed commitments to strengthening professional networks, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring that quality healthcare becomes a reality for all Africans.