Nurses at the heart of healthcare transformation

Nurses are often the backbone of healthcare systems, particularly in underserved regions, where they provide critical care in communities with limited medical resources. According to the World Health Organization, the current global nursing shortage is estimated at around 5.9 million nurses, and is most acute in Africa, South-East Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In response to the demand from our partner hospitals and clinics, World Telehealth Initiative (WTI) launched a nursing education program designed to equip nurses with specialized skills and knowledge via telehealth.

Volunteer nursing experts lead lectures and mentorship sessions, covering essential topics such as emergency care, catheter management, and pediatric care. By responding directly to the requests of the communities we serve, WTI ensures each session provides valuable, practical knowledge that directly enhances patient care.

In Togo, a small country on the horn of Africa, there are just 9 ICU beds nationwide for a population of 9 million. WTI is helping launch a 5-bed ICU at El Elyon Hospital, which will be the largest in the country and boost national ICU capacity by 55.6%. The ICU will be run by nurses, but the hospital does not have trained ICU nurses on staff, as is often the case across Africa. Through WTI’s program, volunteer specialists and ICU nurses are mentoring Togolese nurses, helping establish standards of care for the ICU, sharing protocols and upskilling staff.

In Kenya at Longisa County Referral Hospital, WTI led nursing education sessions are often attended by over 100+ clinicians who are eager to learn and gain new skills. A recent lecture on neonatal jaundice has empowered clinicians to recognize and respond to this life-threatening condition earlier, improving outcomes for newborns.

As the program grows, WTI aims to reach more nurses across diverse regions, addressing healthcare challenges and fostering continuous learning. Through telehealth education, we enhance nurses’ skills, build local capacity, and reduce the need for patient referrals. WTI is empowering nurses to improve patient outcomes and transforming healthcare in vulnerable communities.