The Deputy Minister of Health, Prof Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has urged nursing and midwifery leaders to translate research findings into practical solutions to improve healthcare delivery at the community level.
She said research, policy and practice must work together to ensure that the Free Primary Healthcare programme effectively responds to the health needs of communities.
Prof Ayensu-Danquah made the call at the opening of the five-day 7th Annual Nursing and Midwifery Leaders and Managers Conference 2026, held under the theme, “Bridging Research, Policy and Practice in Nursing and Midwifery to Advance Free Primary Healthcare in Ghana.”
She said nurses and midwives were strategically positioned to identify health conditions early, provide preventive care and support timely referrals before complications developed.
The Deputy Minister therefore encouraged participants to use evidence from their work to inform policy and strengthen primary healthcare.
She noted that effective community-level healthcare could help reduce pressure on specialised and tertiary health facilities.
The conference also seeks to provide a platform for nursing and midwifery leaders and managers to reflect, learn, share experiences and network.
It further creates an opportunity for participants to engage in open and constructive dialogue on ways to strengthen healthcare delivery.
As part of the conference, outstanding contributions to healthcare provision in Ghana will be recognised through five award categories.
The categories are Clinical Excellence; Education and Research; Regulation; Leadership and Governance; and the Honourable Minister for Health’s Award for Outstanding Contributions in Underserved Areas.
The awards highlight the importance of recognising exceptional service to communities with limited access to healthcare.
