66th NNAK International Scientific Conference emphasizes evidence -based nursing practice
Nairobi ,2024 The 66th NNAK International Scientific Conference is currently underway in Nairobi, under the theme "Our Nurses, Our Future: Addressing Nursing Workforce Challenges for Accelerated Economic Growth." The annual event brings together nurses from all counties, research institutions, faith-based organizations, and international bodies to showcase their scientific work and promote evidence-based nursing practice.
The conference aims to address the pressing challenges facing the nursing workforce, with a focus on training, specialization, and employment in line with the WHO's recommended nurse-to-population ratio of 24-28 per 1,000, compared to Kenya’s current ratio of 8 per 1,000. It also seeks to amplify the voices of nurses, highlighting their crucial role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In her address to the conference, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges. She emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building, particularly in specialized areas, and assured the delegates of ongoing efforts to bridge the workforce gap. The PS also underscored the inclusion of nurses in the development of key health policies and human resource guidelines, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions valued in shaping the future of healthcare in Kenya.