Nursing Leadership: An Underused Resource to Transform African Health Systems
Satigo Joseph Ampliace Assogba.
Nurses make up the majority of the health workforce in Africa and are central to primary health care delivery. Despite their crucial role, their leadership and governance potential remain underutilized, limiting their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. Drawing on experiences from Burkina Faso and Senegal, and supported by international evidence, this article highlights the ability of nurses to strengthen health system resilience. From community-based screening to hypertension management, they demonstrate capacity to anticipate crises, innovate, and ensure continuity of care. Yet, barriers such as limited access to decision-making positions, restricted leadership training, and inadequate funding constrain their strategic role. Advancing nursing leadership requires the creation of well-resourced positions, the expansion of specialized training, and recognition of local initiatives. Strengthening this leadership is essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage and building resilient, equitable health systems.
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