ABOUT

About the Conference

The International Normal Labour & Birth Research Conference Series — convening in Africa in 2027 to advance physiological labour, birth and midwifery practice through evidence, innovation and interdisciplinary partnership.

Introduction

The International Normal Labour and Birth Research Conference Series is an annual event established and chaired by Professor Soo Downe at the University of Lancashire, UK. Since 2001, the Series has focused on physiological labour and birth, extending its scope to differing contexts, models of care, and national and international policy on maternal healthcare.

In 2027, healthcare practitioners in Africa — alongside diverse global stakeholders including midwives, paediatric and neonatal nurses, medical specialists, public health physicians, anthropologists, researchers, maternal and newborn advocates, development partners, philanthropic organizations, and medical product companies — will convene to discuss factors around Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) care in Africa.

Purpose

Convene African and global stakeholders to advance SRMNAH care through dialogue, evidence and shared practice.

Aim

Create a platform for global engagement toward universal access to SRMNAH — centering physiological labour, childbirth and innovative workforce strategies.

Scope

Physiological labour and birth, models of care, health equity, climate change and innovation across African contexts.

Promoting & Partnerships

University of Lancashire, CEHDAR and health organization partnerships driving lasting collaboration.

Conference Theme

Reimagining Birth in Africa: Evidence, Innovation, and Interdisciplinary Pathways to Universal Access

Conference Objectives

Articulate topical global and regional developments of interest to physiological labour, birth and midwifery practice in Africa — and the trajectory of successes and challenges.
Appraise current strategies in universal health access in SRMNAH and their implications for physiological labour, birth and improvement strategies.
Examine health inequities and related government policies and programs to proffer solutions for improved labour and childbirth outcomes.
Model women’s health initiatives in advocacy and practice for wider adoption.
Document climate change occurrences, effects and ongoing research evidence for re-setting health care policy and practice agendas.
Explore new technologies and innovations for quality improvements in physiologic labour and childbirth outcomes.
Create a platform for wider stakeholder networking and forging interdisciplinary alliances for health care improvements and research in Africa.

Thematic Areas

Universal access
Policy, advocacy and practice
Midwifery models of care
Evidence (research) and practice
Women’s health
Health inequities
New technology & innovations
Networking & interdisciplinary alliances
Climate change & MNAH

Pre-Conference & Conference Opportunities

Consultations
Stakeholder engagement & sponsorships
Abstract submission & selection
Registration
Accommodation & arrivals
Pre-conference workshops
Opening ceremony
Plenary sessions
Simultaneous presentations
Daily keynote presentations
Syndicate sessions
Workshops
Exhibitions
Networking forums

Target Audience

Policy & Government

Policy makers and government stakeholders shaping SRMNAH agendas.

Midwives

Policy, practice, academia, programs, associations and regulation.

Nurses & Specialists

Paediatric and neonatal nurses, medical specialists and public health practitioners.

Researchers & Advocates

Anthropologists, researchers, maternal and newborn advocates.

Partners & Industry

Development partners, philanthropic organizations and medical product companies.

Emerging Professionals

Newly recruited midwives and students entering the workforce.

Expected Outcomes

Best Practices

Interest and best practices generated from topical areas.

Action Points

In-country improvement action points generated for implementation.

Innovation Uptake

New technologies and innovations identified for wider impact.

Research Networks

Networks for research established across disciplines and borders.

Cemented Partnerships

University of Lancashire · CEHDAR · Health Organization partnerships cemented for diverse collaborations.

At a glance
  • Dates26 - 30 September 2027
  • LocationAccra,Ghana
  • Chairs
  • International ChairProf. Soo Downe
  • Local ChairDr. Jemima Araba Dennis-Antwi
  • HostUniversity of Lancashire & CEHDAR
  • FocusSRMNAH in Africa
  • LanguagesEN · FR
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