A few years ago, the International Federation for Nurse Anesthetists started grappling with the issue of how to get more nurse anesthetists, especially those from Member countries, attend their World Congress. Despite the desire by many nurse anesthetists to take advantage of such global learning events, a number of challenges limit their engagement. These include limited resources to cater for conference costs and travel barriers like visas. To mitigate these challenges, the Executive leadership of IFNA decided to explore the option of holding regional conferences in countries where members come from to allow the those living in that region have the opportunity to attend an international event, closer to home. Africa was chosen to host the first regional IFNA conference.

With support from African delegates attending the IFNA Congresses, Kenya was asked to host the 1st ever regional conference. Dubbed Pan African Nurse Anesthetists Conference or PANAC in short, the event hopes to bring together nurse anesthetists from across the continent to learn, share experience, and shine a spotlight on the role they play in the delivery of safe anesthesia on the continent. The conference is slated for June 11-13th, 2020 in Nairobi City.

This event hopes to have engagement with nurse anesthetists but welcomes all non physician anesthetists and other health workers interested to engage more in driving forward access and delivery of safe anesthesia for all. It is hoped that this event will be form the foundation for strong collaborations that will foster continued learning and support beyond this 3 day event.

For more information on the conference, visit www.panac.africa for the latest updates.