Session One Recording available here >>> Session Two Recording available here >>>
Session Four Recording available here >>>
Session Four Recording available here >>>
Session Three of our global ‘Student Nurses' Voices Speaker Series’
“The work of NIGH and its partners is very important to the growth of nursing around the world
and it was my singular honour to have been given the opportunity to play a role in the African Student Nurses‘ Voices Session.” Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the Ghana Registered Nurses & Midwives Association |
Session Three of our 'Student Nurses’ Speaker Series’ is the next Series to prepare and engage nurses—including students and retirees—to become inspired and informative thought-leaders across the global public space—to advocate for achieving SDG # 3 and to influence the listening ears of everyone! Building on the success of our Nurses’ Voices Speaker Series— this new Series continues our innovative global multi-media outreach of eight Sessions to be broadcasted from across the world. This Session features leading voices from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
It was broadcast virtually on January 14, 2025—Co-Hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training & Research (UNITAR), UNITAR's CIFAL York Centre for training at York University in Toronto, Canada, and the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH) and Co-Sponsored by the Commonwealth Nurses & Midwives Federation (CMNF), the Global Academy for Holistic Nursing (GAHN) and the Integral Nurse Coach Academy (INCA).
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This Session provides a foundation to bring Student Nurses' Voices
into a dynamic global dialogue toward achieving a healthy world.
into a dynamic global dialogue toward achieving a healthy world.
Presenters’ Bios
Africa Regional Introduction
Dr. Eunice Ndirangu-Mugo Speaking at minute 9:21
Dr. Ndirangu-Mugo is Dean of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa. As a leader in the nursing and midwifery landscape, she serves as Chair of the Nursing Council of Kenya. Her academic career began in 2002 when she graduated from the University of East Africa – Baraton, Kenya with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN). She later pursued her Master's in Advanced Nursing Practice from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and then in 2016, completed her PhD in Nursing Studies from the same University. Dr Ndirangu-Mugo's areas of expertise and interest have focused
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largely on the sociological aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support, as well as wellbeing, the intersection between infectious and non-communicable diseases as well as higher education. She has studied the intersection of health and education-training programmes to address the practice gap in healthcare. She has spearheaded the development of Scopes of Practice in Advanced Practice Nursing and Advanced Practice Midwifery in Kenya as well as spearheaded the first such programmes by a university based in East Africa. She serves as a critical reviewer for the Higher Education Academy fellowships for associate fellow applications at AKU, as a Board Member at the One Girl Can initiative and is the Chair of the Technical Working Group for the National Nursing & Midwifery Policy — a project geared towards enhancing the professional standing and image of nurses in Kenya. This will be replicated in Tanzania and Uganda, thus placing AKU-SONAM East Africa in a key position to be the regional lead in nursing and midwifery education in Kenya. She does all this in addition to sitting on various AKU boards and committees, including the AKU Ethics Review Board and as a Trustee in the AKU Provident Fund.
Moderator
Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo
Speaking at minute 7:23 and throughout the Session Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo is the President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association and has over fifteen years related experience in Trade Unionism. She is the current Chairperson of the West African Health Sector Unions Network (WAHSUN) of Public Services International (PSI) and the Chairperson of the Ghana PSI National Coordinating Council. She is a Nurse Educator with over twenty years of experience in the health sector of Ghana as a nurse. She holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Nursing with Psychology from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Post Graduate Diploma
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in Education from the University of Cape Coast. She is also a certifiedof Ghana as a nurse. She holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Nursing with Psychology from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast. She is also a certified Pension’s Trustee licensed by the National PensionsCouncil. She is a Nurse Educator with over twenty years of experience in the health sector of Ghana as a nurse. She holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Nursing with Psychology from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast. She is also a certified Pension’s Trustee licensed by the National Pensions Regulatory Authority of Ghana. She has been awarded as a Foundation Fellow of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives and as a Fellow of the West African College of Nurses and Midwives. She serves on a number of national and international committees and Boards including the Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Ghana, the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, the Health Sector Occupational Pension Scheme, the PSI Health and Social Sector Task Force and ITUC-Africa Occupational Health and Safety Network.
Panelists
Dr. Nthabiseng A . Phaladze
Speaking at minutes 18:44 — 32:47 and 39:45 Dr. Phaladze is a Professor of Nursing at the University of Botswana. She obtained her Bachelor on Nursing Education from the University of Botswana, Master of Nursing Science and PhD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Phaladze is former Head of Nursing and Director of the W.H.O. Collaborating Center for Nursing and Midwifery Development. Dr. Phaladze’s research and scholarship has been more focused on HIV and AIDS across different populations and other health care issues such health policy, human
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resources for health, gender issues and have also expanded her research to include neglected tropical diseases mainly schistosomiasis. She is a member of several professional organizations such as Botswana Nurses Union, Sigma Theta Tau, Africa Honor Society, AFREhealth; and has served on several national advisory boards.
Kelebogile Mokwenea Speaking at minute 26:27
Kelebogile Mokwena is currently a Masters' Degree Student in Community Health Nursing as a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science Degree, both from the University of Botswana. She is well familiarized with health care system especially at tertiary level where advanced health care is provided. She has worked in referral hospitals as a general nurse throughout her career, with intense experience in surgical and medical nursing. She is also highly experienced in rehabilitation of spinal cord injured patients after five years of working in a spinalis rehab centre. After working in these tertiary health care settings, she
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has developed an interest to work with patients at a primary level before theycomplicate and transition to tertiary care. She believes that health promotion is not preached enough by the health sector. Health promotion policies need to be resuscitated and effectively implemented to keep the community out of the hospital. She is specialising in Community Health Nursing with the hope to contribute towards making health promotion great again.
Mothibedi Logong Nelson Speaking at minute 30:20
Mothibedi Longon Nelson is a registered nurse based in Gaborone, Botswana with 12 years of professional experience. He holds a Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor of Nursing Science from the University of Botswana. His aspiration is to contribute to the development of sustainable healthcare policies and interventions that positively impact communities in Botswana and influence global health policy. To further this goal, he is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Community Health Nursing at the University of Botswana.
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Bolanle Ayarna Williams Speaking at minute 43:34
Bolanle Ayarna Williams is pursuing a Masters in Nursing Administration at Kaaf University College, starting in January 2025 — after completing her BSc in Nursing from Valley View University in Accra, Ghana. Focused about youth leadership, she is a Registered Nurse and philanthropist who believes in transformational leadership. She is currently the first female National President of University Nursing and Midwifery Students Association of Ghana since its inception in 2011. She works tirelessly to create promising opportunities for young prospective nurses and midwives. She is an advocate, dedicated and committed leader with
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the future of Nursing and Midwifery students at heart — locally, nationally, and internationally.
Ama Dufie Amankwa-Mensah Speaking at minute 53:23
Amankwa-Mensah Dufie Ama is a dedicated and ambitious final-year nursing student at the prestigious University of Ghana. As a proud Ghanaian, Ama is committed to making a positive impact in the healthcare industry and improving the lives of individuals and communities. Currently, she is serving as the General Secretary of the University of Ghana Nursing and Midwifery Students Association, where she continues to develop leadership skills and contribute to the growth and development of her fellow nursing students.
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Dr. Fhumulani Mavis Mudaudzi
Speaking at minutes 1:07.29 — 1:17:08 and 1:26:29 Dr. Mulaudzi is the South African Research Chair in the Ubuntu Community Model in Nursing and Professor of Nursing at the University of Pretoria—with 37 years of professional experience. She has served Head of the Department of Nursing and Chair of the School of Health Care Sciences, also serving many national and global leadership positions, including Chairperson of the Forum for University Nursing Deans in South Africa, African Regional Coordinator of Sigma Theta Tau International, and as a founding member of the Academy of Science Nursing in South Africa. She has also served as a Deputy Chairperson for the
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Bamboo Bridge International. an organisation that promotes traditional healing and other methods of care. She was an awarded runner-up for the Distinguished Women in Science Award in 2011 for her work in indigenous knowledge system research. She is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Curationis Nursing Journal and the Deputy President of the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa (DENOSA). Recently, Prof Mulaudzi was recognised as a “Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation” at the 2023 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards, South Africa’s most prestigious academic achievements.
Ria Hira Speaking at minute 1:10:36
Ria Hira is a dedicated nursing student at the University of Pretoria. She has a passion for healthcare and making a difference in people’s lives. She is committed to learning and growing in her field — striving to become a skilled and compassionate healthcare professional. Her journey is driven by resilience, empathy, and a desire to positively impact those around her.
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Ithuteng Lashebela Speaking at minute 1:19:32
Ithuteng Ishabela is a passionate 21-year-old 3rd year Student Nurse at the University of Pretoria. She is a proud member of Golden Key — the world's largest collegiate honour society — and a top achiever in her degree — driven by a commitment to compassionate care and making a meaningful difference in patients' lives. As the eldest of three siblings, she has developed resilience, empathy, and determination—qualities that guide her journey in healthcare as she strives to create a healthier and brighter future for all.
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Dr. Isabel Kambo
Speaking at minutes 1:31:08 — 1:48:45 and 1:59:55 Dr. Kambo has served as Lecturer and Associate Dean of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing & Midwifery East Africa since 2020 — also serving as a Senior Instructor for the AKU SONAM Nairobi Campus since 2014. Her current areas of teaching include Community Health Nursing, Behavioral Psychology and Epidemiology and her research interests include Public Health & Health Education, Health Promotion and Nursing. She achieved her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at the University of Salford in the United Kingdom in 2024 and has achieved her Master of Public Health at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, Philippines in 2016 and her Bachelor of Nursing, University of Dundee, Scotland, in
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2008. She has been honoured with the 2008 Long Service Award at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and the 1992 Bidii Exemplary Award at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. She also serves through memberships in the International Union of Health Promotion and Education, the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Nursing, the National Nurses Association Kenya and the International Prevention Research Institute Alumni Association.
Dr. Bernard Wambua Mbithi Speaking at minute 1:34::14
Dr. Mbithi is a second-year Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing student at Aga Khan University in Nairobi. With over 18 years of clinical experience at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya's largest teaching and referral facility, and more than a decade of university teaching, Bernard brings a wealth of expertise to the field. He has served as a board member of the Nursing Council of Kenya, contributing to key regulatory initiatives such as the inspection and approval of nursing training institutions. A prolific scholar, Bernard has published over 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has successfully supervised several
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postgraduate students to completion. Holding a PhD in Nursing from Mount Kenya University and an MSc in Public Health from JKUAT’s Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Bernard is driven by a mission to advance evidence-based nursing practice. His vision is to inspire a generation of nurses who are skilled practitioners, critical thinkers, and advocates for patient-centered care, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes for individuals and communities. He strongly believes that the foundation of effective nursing lies in the seamless integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional values, a philosophy that underpins his dedication to shaping the future of nursing.
Winny Chepkirui Speaking at minute 1:51:18
Winny Chepkirui is a second-year direct entry undergraduate nursing student at Aga Khan University in Nairobi, bringing a unique blend of experience and passion to the field of nursing. With over a decade of experience in the finance department within the healthcare industry, Winny witnessed firsthand the transformative role of nurses in improving patient outcomes. Moved by their compassion, dedication, and impact, she chose to transition from supporting healthcare operations to becoming a frontline caregiver herself.
As the Secretary General of the Aga Khan University Students' Union, Winny is a dynamic advocate for student needs and a champion for fostering a collaborative and supportive |
academic environment. Her journey exemplifies resilience, purpose, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in both the university community and the lives of patients she will one day serve.
Representing the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health
Dr. Maria Theresa ‘Tess’ Panizales Speaking at minute 2:56
Dr. Panizales serves on NIGH's Board of Directors and now as Co-Chair of NIGH's ‘Student Nurses' Voices Speaker Series.’ Previously, she took the lead for our 'Nurses' Voices from the Western Pacific' — Session Four of our 'Nurses' Voices Speaker Series' She also serves as NIGH's United Nations-NGO Representative in New York City. in July of 2023, she proactively participated in the launch of NIGH's 'Nurses' Voices' campaign — shared virtually and onsite from Switzerland and the 2023 Caux Forum 'Healing the Wounds of the
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Past.' She also shared her original language and culture by serving as NIGH's Advisor to establish the Tagalog / Filipino language version of the Nightingale Declaration. Dr Panizales has more than 40 years of professional nursing experience across the spectrum of healthcare both local and international — also including volunteer service. As a nurse leader, her goal is to engage and build the next generation of nurses through mentoring and role modeling. Her first nursing professional work was with the Red Cross. Hence, working with refugees in a public health context is her important connection. She is currently working at the Veterans HealthCare Administration.
Dr. Deva-Marie Beck Speaking at minutes 2:09 and 2:04:07
Dr. Beck is a Canadian American nurse, global citizen, and award-winning Nightingale scholar. For 20 years, she has served as a volunteer International Co-Director for the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health — leading workshops, keynotes, webinars, feature articles, videos, UN briefings, and to achieve NIGH’s UN ECOSOC ‘Special Consultative Status.’ She has recently been recognized as an Honorary Scholar of the Global Academy of Holistic Nursing (HSGAHN) for her leadership to promote and sustain global health care transformation and
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advocacy to achieve the United Nations SDGs. After a 30-year clinical career in Critical Care & Women's Health settings, she received her doctorate in 2002, from Union Institute & University, for her groundbreaking research to articulate Florence Nightingale’s relevance to today’s international health, development, education, and media. She has since authored and co-authored articles for numerous peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Dr. Beck has recently achieved the highest-level Education Award from Toastmasters International — as a Distinguished Toast Master ‘DTM’. She now aims to use this ‘credential’ to develop innovative ways to encourage and engage nurses and concerned citizens to share their voices and tell their stories in the global public arena.