Government has launched the 2026 Nurses Christian Fellowship International Africa Regional Conference, that is aimed at promoting collaboration and empowerment of health professionals with compassionate and faith-based service.

Speaking at the event in Lusaka, Vice President Mutale Nalumango says nurses and midwives are a backbone of the country’s health system, whose capacity must be strengthened in order to improve service delivery.

Mrs Nalumango also disclosed that the government is implementing a large-scale multi-year initiative to strengthen human resources for the health sector with the aim of addressing shortage of nurses and midwives.

“As Christian healthcare professionals, you carry a unique responsibility.  The scriptures shape both your theory and practice, transforming nursing and midwifery into a ministry for Christ,” said Mrs Nalumango.

She added that a spiritual foundation enhances the quality of care and reminded health professionals of their accountability to God as they perform their duties.

The Vice President further stated that the theme for the conference, dubbed “Courage to make a difference in Nursing and Midwifery”, is timely in light of the growing public calls for respectful and compassionate care within health facilities.

Zambia Nurses Christian Fellowship Chairperson, Boniface Besa, highlighted that the gathering will provide a platform for strengthening faith, learning from experts and sharing testimonies.

Mr Besa noted that faith sustains nurses and midwives who spend long hours of work, emotional strain and the responsibility to care for chronically ill patients.

And, President of the Nurses Christian Fellowship International, Anne Biro, added that courage and wisdom is critical in nursing and midwifery as professionals face ethical issues.

Dr Biro expressed hope that the community is strengthened through such engagements and that it challenges health professionals to be wise and courageous as they execute their duty.