Professor Elshazali Eissa Hamad, Vice-Chancellor of White Nile University, held a videoconference meeting with Ms. Fatima Saleh Abubakar, Founder of the Sudanese Nursing Leadership Initiative (SNLI), in the presence of Dr. Bishara Eissa Hamad, Academic Affairs Secretary; Dr. Issam Eldin Ahmed Mohamed Badri, University Trustee; and Dr. Thwayba Abbas Ali, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences.
The meeting explored the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between White Nile University, represented by the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, and the Sudanese Nursing Leadership Initiative. The proposed agreement aims to foster cooperation in developing nursing and health cadres, as well as enhancing preparedness and response to disease outbreaks and health emergencies in White Nile State.
Professor Elshazali Eissa Hamad emphasized that the initiative represents a qualitative step that contributes to serving the citizens of White Nile State and enhancing the capacities of the health sector, praising SNLI's significant efforts in nursing leadership and capacity building.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed the university's preliminary approval of the proposed partnership, in consultation and coordination with the Ministry of Health in White Nile State, noting that the Ministry possesses specialized departments in this field, which will help achieve both parties' shared goals.
He highlighted White Nile University's readiness to open broad horizons for cooperation and community partnership, affirming that community service remains a strategic priority. He noted that the university allocates 2% of its revenue to scientific research, directing studies toward addressing key health, medical, and economic challenges affecting state residents.
For her part, Ms. Fatima Saleh Abubakar delivered a presentation on the Sudanese Nursing Leadership Initiative, outlining its journey since its founding in 2020 and its efforts across various public and private universities and colleges throughout Sudan's states.
She explained that the initiative aims to enhance leadership and decision-making skills among nursing professionals, strengthen their participation in community health programs, and prepare cadres to tackle disease outbreaks and health pandemics such as dengue fever, acute watery diarrhea, and other health emergencies.
She added that White Nile University was selected for this partnership owing to its strong potential, highly qualified academic and administrative staff, distinguished university environment, and active engagement with community issues and needs.