As a part of the Foundations for Health and Empowerment, F4HE, project, a joint venture of the Aga Khan Foundation, Canada, Aga Khan Foundation, Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan University, Pakistan, four leaders of the nursing and midwifery alliances and one translator from Kyrgyzstan visited Karachi for a Capacity Building Leadership Development Program led by AKU-SONAM's Outreach and Policy Unit, from January 9-13, 2023.
Taking into account the needs of the participants, the training included face-to-face theoretical sessions/modules on the implementation of organizational frameworks and leadership theories, the role of professional organizations and statutory bodies, patient safety and risk management, digital technology in health systems, inspiring traits of compassionate leadership and resource management.
During the training period, various exposure visits were held. Meetings were arranged with nursing leaders of Dow University of Health Sciences Institute of Nursing as well as representatives of the Directorate General Nursing Association, and Midwifery Association of Pakistan to give them an enriching exposure of nursing and midwifery regulatory bodies.
The participants also got an opportunity to meet AKU leadership including Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President AKU, Dr Farhat Abbas, Interim CEO AKUH, Dr Anjum Halai, Vice Provost, AKU and Dr Tazeen Saeed Ali, Interim Dean AKU-SONAM.
“This 5-day training has been very beneficial for us with regards to learning about leadership within teams and organisations, and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time at AKU. We are grateful to the hospitality and teachings extended to us by AKU’s faculty members, staff and leadership. At AKU-CIME, we found advanced, innovative technology that was quite remarkable as we only have very basic simulation instruments at our workplace in Bishkek. Another interesting aspect was learning and observing how leaders from various units work together for greater collective impact. As we prepare to return to our home country, we look forward to implementing and sharing our knowledge with our team back home”, commented Gulnara Azhymanbetova, one of the program trainees.
This leadership development programme was sponsored by the Aga Khan Foundation, Canada. AKU-SONAM will now commence online refresher trainings for all nursing and midwifery leaders who participated.
