Mercy Mukubwa, MSc Advanced Practice Midwifery student at the Aga Khan University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa, recently presented her research at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress 2025 in Helsinki, Finland. Her research study, titled “Exploring Factors Informing the Choice of Caesarean Section Among Couples and Healthcare Workers: A Case of The Nairobi Hospital, Kenya,” was selected from a competitive global pool, marking a significant achievement in her academic career.
Mercy was surprised at her selection, attributing her success to resilience and diligent effort. The ICN Congress, a biennial event, serves as a vital platform for nursing professionals worldwide to exchange knowledge and advance the profession.
Inspired by her late father, a veterinarian, Mercy developed an early passion for meticulous care. This led her to specialize in women’s and paediatric health, where she finds profound satisfaction in supporting women during vulnerable periods.
Mercy’s research was prompted by the increasing rate of non-medically indicated caesarean sections (C-sections) in Kenya’s private hospitals. While Kenya's overall C-section rates align with WHO recommendations, private facilities show significantly higher figures. This trend is concerning due to the increased health risks associated with C-sections compared to vaginal deliveries. Her study aimed to understand the complex medical, social, and systemic factors influencing these decisions.
"C-sections should not be seen as the easy way out," Mercy stated, advocating for interventions only when medically necessary. Presenting at ICN 2025 was a transformative experience for Mercy. She acknowledged the support of her classmates and faculty, specifically her supervisors, Dr Abednego Ongeso and Dr Roselyter Riang'a-Obiria, for her success.
This experience has strengthened Mercy’s commitment to reproductive health advocacy and policy development aimed at protecting women and girls. Her work seeks to educate communities on the implications of C-sections and encourage midwives to promote vaginal deliveries, ultimately improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Mercy’s message to aspiring nurses is to "never set limits on yourself." She believes that with determination and proper guidance, the global stage is accessible to all. Now, with increased confidence, Mercy is poised to achieve her goals and make a lasting impact on healthcare.
