The focus of the meeting was on COVID-19; evidence-informed policy dialogue to advance nursing and midwifery; and the global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery

The meeting was attended by over 240 participants; 4 delegates from the Ministry of Health representing Eritrea, Government nursing and midwifery leaders from across the globe, national nursing associations, national midwifery associations, along with stakeholders from nursing and midwifery education, regulation, NursingNow.

He emphasized 2020 as the year of Nurses and Midwifery, highlighted the need in prioritizing on education and leadership, as Nurses and Midwives account for the majority of the health professionals (59%) [World's Nursing Report, 2020]

Day one focused on nursing and midwifery workforces as essential to COVID-19 preparedness and response.

Day two was centered around the role of nursing and midwifery leadership in facilitating evidence-informed policy dialogue.

India and Botswana shared how they have used data for policy dialogue to stimulate jobs for nursing and midwives, promote education, regulation, and practice, including the establishment of residence centers, which the Eritrean team were keen to explore.

Some of these include strengthening the position and contributions of nursing and midwifery within health systems; expanding the capacity of nursing and midwifery education and training institutions; and leverage the data and evidence in the SoWN report for policy dialogue.