Central University continues to strengthen its commitment to excellence in nursing education and holistic healthcare training through the active participation of students and faculty from the School of Nursing and Midwifery in the Nurses Christian Fellowship Africa Regional Conference, held under the theme “Courage to Make a Difference in Nursing and Midwifery.”
The conference brought together nursing and midwifery professionals, educators, researchers, and students from across Africa to engage in meaningful dialogue on the future of healthcare delivery, professional ethics, leadership, spiritual care, and innovation in nursing practice. Representing Central University at this important regional gathering was a delegation of six, led by Dr. Benson Owusu Atuahene, Lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
The participation of the delegation underscores Central University’s dedication to preparing globally minded healthcare professionals equipped not only with clinical competence, but also with the compassion, leadership skills, and ethical grounding necessary to transform healthcare systems across Africa and beyond.
Throughout the conference, the students had the opportunity to interact with peers and healthcare practitioners from different African countries, exposing them to diverse perspectives and emerging trends in nursing and midwifery practice. The conference served as a valuable platform for networking, intercultural learning, professional mentorship, and collaborative knowledge sharing. Through plenary sessions, workshops, discussions, and presentations, participants explored critical issues affecting healthcare delivery and examined practical strategies for strengthening nursing leadership and patient-centered care within African healthcare systems.
A major highlight of the conference was a taster session delivered by Dr. Benson Owusu Atuahene on the topic “The Art and Science of Spiritual Care.” In his presentation, he emphasized the indispensable role of spiritual care in holistic healthcare delivery, stressing that true holistic care cannot be achieved without addressing the spiritual needs of patients.
Dr. Atuahene further explained that healthcare professionals must receive formal and ethical training in spiritual care to effectively identify and respond to patients’ spiritual concerns within clinical settings. He highlighted the importance of conducting appropriate spiritual assessments and collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive patient care. His presentation resonated strongly with participants and contributed meaningfully to ongoing conversations about compassionate and patient-centered healthcare delivery in Africa.
The conference experience also provided Central University students with the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their professional identity, and broaden their understanding of healthcare challenges and opportunities across the continent. Exposure to such international and regional academic engagements plays a vital role in shaping future nurses and midwives who are innovative, empathetic, culturally sensitive, and committed to excellence in service.
Central University remains proud of the achievements and participation of its students and faculty at the conference and continues to prioritize experiential learning opportunities that enhance academic growth, leadership development, and global exposure for students.
As the University advances its mission of producing transformative leaders and professionals, engagements such as the Nurses Christian Fellowship Africa Regional Conference reinforce the institution’s vision of nurturing healthcare practitioners who are prepared to make meaningful and lasting contributions to society, healthcare systems, and humanity at large.