The Neonatal Nurses Association of Southern Africa’s (NNASA) 7th National Conference will occur on 22nd -24th October 2014 in an environment surrounded by the trappings of wealth and the glitter of gold, Gold Reef City – Gauteng. This is appropriate for our theme:
Neonates- More precious than Gold!
In a world where vast poverty, starvation and suffering are still the experience of the majority, debate rages as to the justification for advanced, costly, neonatal care. There are huge gaps in equity and quality of neonatal care around the world- in some countries 22 week gestation babies are actively managed and live while in other countries late preterm babies between 34 and 37 weeks continue to struggle for survival.
How do you define the value of a child?
In a Thai study, parents were asked the value of children-among a long list the most common responses were:
“They provide companionship and prevent loneliness, they provide help in old age and they continue the family name.”
Nelson Mandela stated, “Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest assets as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth and those who care for and protect our people.”
How do we in South Africa optimally use the scarce health resources available, to best deliver quality, neonatal care for all our population? Do the needs of the one out way the needs of the many? Do we pursue life at all costs? How do you put a cost to a life?
We invite all nurses caring for neonates to join with us as we explore these questions amongst others. Abstract submission is open and we look forward to receiving submissions from both within and outside South Africa. NNASA’s vision is to support neonatal nurses at all levels and throughout Southern Africa and we therefore would encourage and welcome delegates from throughout Africa!
This year in an effort to include and interact with the whole multi-disciplinary team we are excited to announce the inclusion of a Neonatal Expo on the first day of the conference (Wed 22nd October). A mini conference on its own-with presentations from the trade and an opportunity to network and interact both with the trade and colleagues. We invite all health professionals working with neonates to join us for this special day-only R100!
We invite you to join with us as we discuss how we can give our Nation’s children their best start in life so that our future truly might be golden!
For further details please contact Helene Uys at helene@confco.co.za or visit us online at http://conf2014.nnasa.org.za/ to register online or submit your abstract.
Learn more about equity and quality of neonatal care through the Healthy Newborn Network Resource pages.