The inaugural CNMF West Africa Regional Conference will take place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 21–23 April 2026.
Co-hosted with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), this landmark event will provide a vital platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across the region.
Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone are the four West African countries currently collaborating with the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF), with Nigeria to host the inaugural event.
“This is the first conference of its kind in Africa, and Nigeria is proud to host it,” said NANNM Assistant Secretary-General Chidi Aligwe.
“The upcoming conference represents a significant moment for the region. It will not only celebrate the innovation and dedication of West African nurses and midwives but also provide a forum to address the pressing issues in practice, education, and regulation.”
International interest has been significant, reflecting the importance of this inaugural gathering. More than 300 registrations have already been received, with over 500 participants expected.
CNMF conferences are traditionally held every two years, with the next biennial meeting on 24-25 September in New Delhi. This additional regional conference was organised in direct response to requests from West African members.
“Historically, many colleagues across the African continent have faced considerable challenges obtaining visas to attend conferences abroad. Despite extensive engagement with embassies and high commissions, these barriers persist,” said CNMF Executive Secretary Jill Iliffe.
“Hosting a conference within West Africa helps ensure that nurses and midwives can participate fully, share their work, and build meaningful professional relationships. A single ten-minute conversation at a conference can spark collaborations that shape the future, and CNMF recognises its responsibility to help make these opportunities available.”
The conference offers an opportunity for West African nurses and midwives to showcase their achievements. From 145 submitted abstracts, interest has come not only from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone, but also from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Malta, and South Africa, reflecting existing and emerging global partnerships.
The conference theme, Toward Excellence: nurses and midwives working together toward excellence in education, practice and regulation is well represented across the abstracts. Submissions span nursing, midwifery, and academia and include contributions from undergraduate and PhD students.
Abstracts explore modern learning approaches, including the use of technology in training the next generation of clinicians, as well as research examining how health systems support or hinder positive outcomes for their populations.
One notable abstract examines traditional birthing practices in remote communities where professionally trained midwives may not be available. It considers how long‑standing cultural practices can be strengthened and integrated with contemporary approaches to improve maternal outcomes.
This reflects the creativity and innovation evident across the submissions, with nurses and midwives demonstrating leadership in improving training quality and enhancing care delivery.
Challenges across the region
Infrastructure and healthcare financing remain major challenges in many West African countries, including Nigeria, where individuals must pay for most healthcare services. Even under the National Health Insurance Scheme, beneficiaries contribute through salary deductions and co‑payments. Limited investment in healthcare systems contributes to inequalities in access, availability of services, and the ability to meet diverse population needs.
While communicable diseases such as smallpox, polio, tuberculosis, and measles continue to require attention, noncommunicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and conditions linked to poor oral health are on the rise. Public health efforts must focus on early prevention and longterm healthcare service provision.
Regulation is another key area of focus. An abstract from Ghana examines regulatory models for midwifery education, exploring competencies, standards of care, and the importance of consistent, well regulated training across healthcare facilities.
Nigeria as host
Nigeria is West Africa’s most populous nation, with more than 244 million people and over 120,000 nurses and midwives. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria oversees the training and regulation of the profession, but challenges remain.
“Many newly trained nurses and midwives leave the country due to low pay and limited resources, with an estimated 60–70% seeking opportunities abroad,” said NANNM Assistant Secretary-General Mr Aligwe.
“Despite these challenges, nurses and midwives across Nigeria continue to support their communities, often providing free medical care in rural areas. However, the lack of equipment, medications, and sustainable funding limits what they can achieve.”
The excitement surrounding the event reflects a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and improving outcomes for communities across West Africa, he said.
For more information or to register, visit here
