Karachi, The Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM) and the Division of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), hosted the International Nurses and Midwives Day Conference on May 8, 2024. The event celebrated the critical roles nurses and midwives play in shaping economies and promoting environmental sustainability.

According to The Aga Khan University, the conference featured a range of expert speakers who discussed the significant impacts of nursing and midwifery on healthcare and its intersection with economic and environmental issues. Mr. Noor Ahmed Samoo, Secretary of the Department of Universities and Boards, Government of Sindh, attended as the chief guest, emphasizing the influential work of AKU-SONAM in setting a high standard for nursing and midwifery in Pakistan.

Prominent figures such as Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKUH, and Ms. Khairunnissa Hooda, Chief Nursing Officer at AKUH, delivered keynote addresses. They highlighted the economic benefits and the crucial role of nursing in patient care and healthcare sustainability. Dr. Tazeen Saeed Ali, Interim Dean of AKU-SONAM, spoke on the importance of education in nursing and midwifery for building a resilient healthcare workforce capable of addressing future environmental challenges.

The conference served as a platform for dialogue, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and academics. It stressed the necessity of investing in the nursing and midwifery sectors, not only to improve health outcomes but also to ensure the sustainable development of communities.