By Stanley Onyekwere
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to strengthening the nursing and midwifery profession as a critical pillar of healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre Abuja, Mahmoud described nurses and midwives as the backbone of healthcare systems, noting their indispensable role in providing frontline services and improving health outcomes.
The Minister, in a statement from her SA Media, Austine Elemue, 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, in many cases, the most consistent providers of care.
“Their dedication, compassion, and professionalism continue to save lives daily,” she stated.
The Minister noted that 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.
She, therefore, stressed the need for sustained investment in capacity building, improved working conditions, and stronger institutional support.
Mahmoud 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 Federation 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.
The Minister 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, in his welcome remarks, 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 cornerstone that made hosting of the global event a reality.
According to him, “Your presence and support for this conference underscore your commitment to not just Nigerian healthcare, but to global health solidarity.
“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 affirmed 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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