Lesotho Nurses Association Holds 16th Biennial ECSACONM Scientific Conference in Maseru
The Lesotho Nurses Association (LNS) hosted the 16th Biennial East, Central and Southern African College of Nursing and Midwifery (ECSACONM) Scientific Conference in Maseru today, bringing together nurses and midwives from across the region. This year’s theme focused on innovation in nursing and midwifery practices, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Justice Nthomeng Majara highlighted the significance of the conference as a vital platform for fostering connections among nursing professionals. She emphasized the importance of innovation in today’s healthcare landscape, particularly as pandemics have become increasingly prevalent.
“In this era that we live in, innovation is important. It helps as pandemics have increased,” said Majara. Her remarks underscored the necessity for healthcare professionals to adapt and evolve in their practices to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector.
The Deputy Prime Minister further noted that the conference provides an invaluable opportunity for nurses to share ideas, network, and engage in discussions about evidence-based practices. “This platform allows all nurses to share ideas and network on evidence-based practice,” she explained. Such exchanges are crucial for promoting best practices and improving the overall quality of care provided to patients.
Majara acknowledged the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing education and practice, stating that it exposed significant gaps and vulnerabilities within health systems. “The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected nursing education and practice by exposing gaps and vulnerabilities of health systems and has presented important lessons for future preparedness,” she remarked.
The timing of the conference is particularly pertinent, as it serves as an opportunity for nursing professionals to reflect on the lessons learned during the pandemic and to strategize for the future. “The conference, therefore, comes at an opportune time to share lessons learned and learn from one another to contribute to attaining universal health coverage and the sustainable development goals,” Majara added.
The ECSACONM Scientific Conference is expected to feature a range of presentations, workshops, and discussions aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the event aims to strengthen the nursing and midwifery workforce in the region, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for all.
As the conference progresses, participants are encouraged to engage actively, share their insights, and take part in shaping the future of nursing and midwifery in Lesotho and beyond. The collective efforts of these dedicated professionals will play a crucial role in overcoming challenges and achieving the shared goal of universal health coverage for all.
