Image by Louis Karasinski-Stanley featuring research nurses Amina Suleiman Rajah, Mwanamvua (Mwana) Boga and Rubina Qasim

This is the second article in a two-part series on nurses leading change in global health. Rafiat Akinokun spoke to Mwanamvua Boga, Rubina Qasim and Amina Suleiman Rajah who have overcome barriers to conduct independent research to improve local health outcomes. 

“Many of my colleagues were shocked that I was conducting a randomized controlled trial. They think all nurses do is knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys. But no, we can do so much more.” - Amina

The nurses were clear. Support for nurse-led research goes beyond financial grants. It includes mentorship, resources, and a collaborative environment. 

Amina echoes the importance of institutional and peer support.

“I contacted a lot of people for advice, especially being a first-time principal investigator. This work is beyond one person. Honestly, a lot of people were involved.”

She emphasizes that the research community needs to recognize nurses as credible researchers and create environments that allow them to lead studies.

“Many of my colleagues were shocked that I was conducting a randomized controlled trial. They think all nurses do is knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys. But no, we can do so much more.”

Mwana highlights the importance of mentorship and peer collaboration.

“I don’t have data analysis skills, so I approached statisticians for help. They’ve supported me willingly with the analysis. And we’ve kept the team motivated by presenting our findings in conferences“.

Her proactive approach helped build a support network, keeping her and her colleagues motivated and involved in the research process.

Rubina adds the value of learning from others in the research community.

“Being able to share ideas, challenges, and even failures made it less isolating.

Impact and Dissemination: From Clinics to Communities 

Each of the nurses has translated their work into impact. Rubina’s outcomes are finding local, national, and global relevance.

“The findings from the Pump Priming research will guide local interventions to improve immunization acceptance in Pakistan. Nationally, we will provide this data for policymaking and program design. And globally, this research contributes to the discussion on zero-dose children and vaccine equity in low- and middle-income countries.”

Amina reflected proudly:

“Our study was the first to conduct a randomized controlled trial on reusable menstrual pads in Nigeria. We did many other things too. We started with a scoping review to know where the gaps are, and this project has formed the foundation for my PhD.”

Mwana continues to share her work through institutional platforms and conferences. “We’ve shared our online training program on emotional competence and communication skills of neonatal nurses within my hospital and at various nursing conferences.”

The Impact of The Global Health Network

“The effect of the funding trickled down to the other nursing colleagues who really wanted to work in the community.” - Rubina

All three nurses credit The Global Health Network as instrumental in their journey.

Mwana said:

“My experience with The Global Health Network was an exciting experience for me. It has strengthened my research skills, especially around handling  quantitative data. I had never done quantitative research before, but I used a  quantitative tool this time.”

Amina reflected on how the experience shaped her confidence:

“The Pump Priming grant has been very groundbreaking in my academic career. It has given me confidence. I don't believe I even have a limit.”

Rubina highlighted how the impact of the pump-priming grant extended beyond her project:

“One of the students was doing a master’s project on zero-dose children, so he was able to do his research project by working with us. The Global Health Network funded me for this project, but indirectly helped him complete his research project. So he did his master’s degree in nursing by doing the research, and he indirectly benefited from The Global Health Network. The effect of the funding trickled down to the other nursing colleagues who really wanted to work in the communities”.

Conclusion: Nurses as Drivers of Evidence and Change

The stories of Mwana, Rubina, and Amina are not exceptional because nurses don’t belong in research; they are exceptional because too few nurses are given the opportunity to lead it. Their projects prove that when nurses are supported to conduct research rooted in practice, the results can shift systems and centre community voices in global health decisions.

To read part one of this series, visit: Transforming Nursing Research: The Pump Priming Research Award and Three Trailblazers