Doha, 28 November 2023: The Third Arab Nurses and Midwives Conference concluded successfully, with over 800 enthusiastic nursing and midwifery healthcare professionals from across the Arab region participating in person. The two-day conference program was part of the activities arranged in Qatar in support of Arab Nurses and Midwives Day, which is a regional day dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of international nurses and midwives in the healthcare sector across the Arab world.
Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Corporate Nursing and Midwifery Department led the efforts to develop a comprehensive educational and celebratory event for nurses and midwives working in the region, supported by the Ministry of Public Health, Primary Health Care Corporation, Medical Services of the Ministry of Interior, Qatar University, Sidra Medicine, and Aspetar.
Ms. Mariam Al-Mutawa, Acting Chief Nursing Officer at HMC, thanked the partners for their active participation in developing the comprehensive program: “I wish to express my appreciation to all our local and regional experts whose contributions added a global perspective to the discussions, fostering a rich exchange of ideas. I would also like to commend our partners for their commitment to our shared goal of elevating the important professions of nursing and midwifery in our respective healthcare organizations and sectors. We are delighted to have you by our side as we embark on the important journey of advancing healthcare in the Arab world.”
“The WHO representative to Qatar, Dr. Rayana Bou Haka, highlighted the global challenge of a serious shortfall in well-trained nurses that will grow in future years. We need to address some of the perceptions concerning nurses and midwives that impact our ability to manage their role within health systems and our strategic ability to ensure greater efforts are made to address the risks associate with not having enough young people choosing this noble profession. We can only achieve a sustainable change in how nurses and midwives are perceived in the healthcare sector by having these discussions and working together,” added Ms. Al-Mutawa.
Under the theme "Arab Nurses and Midwives: Together as the Force for Global Health and for Our Future," the conference provided a dynamic platform for nurses and midwives to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and engage in meaningful discussions aimed at helping to shape the future of healthcare in the Arab world.
The conference featured a diverse range of lectures and panel discussions covering critical topics in nursing and midwifery, including relevant aspects concerning healthcare technology, patient-centered care, and strategies for addressing the unique challenges faced by nursing healthcare professionals in the Arab region.
Renowned experts and thought leaders in nursing and midwifery from Qatar and the region graced the event, sharing their insights and experiences. The keynote speakers included Dr. Ahmad Omar Hawsawi, CNO and Assistant Vice President for Healthcare Strategies at Al-Madinah Healthcare Cluster in Saudi Arabia, who shared insights on the historic developments of nursing in the Islamic world and its relevance to modern nursing practices; and Dr. Fariba Al Darazi, Health Workforce Development and Nursing Consultant Bahrain, who talked about nursing and shaping a resilient future in global health.
The success of the Third Arab Nurses and Midwives Conference underscores the commitment of healthcare professionals in the Arab world to continuous learning, collaboration, and excellence in patient care. A record number of 185 abstracts were received from across the Arab nations under the domains of Clinical Practice, Leadership, Education, and Research. Sixteen abstracts were selected for oral presentations, and others were selected for inclusion in the poster exhibition.
The event served as a hub for networking, allowing participants to connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry experts. These connections are vital for fostering collaboration and creating a supportive community within the healthcare sector. The conference also included an awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in nursing and midwifery and a flag parade showcasing the 22 flags of the Arab nations. These accolades celebrate individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and contributions to the healthcare sector.
Ms. Muna Al-Hetmi, Muna Othman Al Hetmi, Director of Corporate Nursing and Midwifery Education at HMC and conference operational lead, said that this event reflected the solidarity between local and regional partners and the nurses from across the globe who provide their valuable services in Arab countries: “The organizing committee extends its gratitude to all participants and partners who played a crucial role in making this event a triumph. The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of MedTech Corporation, who was the Platinum sponsor, Mazaya Medical Trading, who was the Gold sponsor, and the Silver sponsors of Applied Medical; Avanzcare; Barzan Medical Supplies; Khalid Scientific Co. W.L.L; and Qatar Scientific Company W.L.L. – we truly appreciate their support.”
Arab Nurses and Midwives Day stands as a tribute to the crucial contributions made by these healthcare professionals in molding the landscape of healthcare. The conference partners invite the community to unite in showing appreciation to nurses and midwives, acknowledging their outstanding commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals and families.
