By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to strengthening the nursing and midwifery profession as a critical pillar of healthcare delivery.
Mahmoud, who spoke at the Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, described nurses and midwives as the backbone of healthcare systems, highlighting their indispensable role in providing frontline services and improving health outcomes.
She emphasized that their participation reflects a shared commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and fostering global collaboration.
“As a medical practitioner, I recognize that nurses and midwives are often the first point of contact for patients and, often, the most consistent providers of care.”
“Their dedication, compassion, and professionalism continue to save lives daily,” she stated.
According to the minister, the conference comes at a crucial time when health systems worldwide are confronting evolving challenges, including emerging disease patterns, workforce shortages, and the growing demand for equitable and quality healthcare.
Meanwhile, Mahmoud has stressed the need for sustained investment in capacity building, improved working conditions, and stronger institutional support.
She further reiterated that the FCT Administration remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote workforce development and provide access to modern healthcare infrastructure.
According to her, empowering nurses and midwives is essential to achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She also commended the federal government for its consistent advocacy, professional development initiatives, and efforts in promoting best practices across member countries, describing its role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange as invaluable.
She encouraged participants to leverage the conference as a platform for meaningful dialogue, innovation, and partnership-building aimed at strengthening healthcare systems across the Commonwealth.
Earlier, the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Haruna Mamman, noted that the unwavering support and endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have been the success behind hosting the global event.
“From strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure to advancing health insurance coverage and prioritizing the welfare of health workers, your tenure is already leaving an indelible mark.”
He, however, described nurses and midwives as the backbone of every health system.
He noted that the conference would serve as a catalyst for change, a beacon of hope, and a powerful voice for the nursing and midwifery profession worldwide.
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