Kigali is hosting the 1st Continental Health Workforce Strengthening and Harmonisation of Regional Nursing and Midwifery Curricula Engagement for the Global South Community from 6 to 8 May 2026. The high-level meeting was officially opened by Dr Edward Kadozi, Director General of the Higher Education Council, representing the Minister of Education.

Held under the theme “Reimagining Africa’s Health Workforce: An AUDA-NEPAD Continental Programme for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery,” the engagement aligns with the 2026 agenda of the African Union and AUDA-NEPAD. It brings together stakeholders from across the continent to advance the harmonization of nursing and midwifery education, strengthen leadership, and promote cross-border recognition of qualifications within the Global South.

In his opening remarks, Dr Kadozi highlighted the central role of education in building resilient health systems. He stressed that no health system can function effectively without a well-trained, supported, and motivated nursing and midwifery workforce. He called for harmonised curricula, continuous professional development, safe working conditions, and clear leadership pathways for health professionals.

Participants are also working to identify gaps in curriculum development, accreditation, and regulatory systems, while proposing coordinated, evidence-based solutions through South–South collaboration. The engagement further aims to develop a regional harmonization framework that aligns academic standards, clinical practice, and regulatory requirements across countries.

Speakers emphasized that harmonization is a continental imperative. Without it, qualifications remain fragmented, workforce mobility is limited, and opportunities for regional collaboration are lost. With it, health professionals can serve across borders, share expertise, and strengthen integrated, efficient, and resilient health systems.

Looking ahead, stakeholders called for accelerated implementation of harmonized frameworks, increased investment in education and institutional capacity, strengthened quality assurance, and expanded digital learning. They underscored the need for strong political commitment, sustainable financing, and deeper regional cooperation.

Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to advancing harmonisation, strengthening health professional education, and supporting continental integration—recognizing nurses and midwives as the backbone of Africa’s future-ready health systems.