Dr. Joan Hannah Elizabeth Estella Shepherd has achieved a landmark milestone for Sierra Leone and the nursing profession across the sub-region by being elected Regional President of the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives (WAPCNM). Her historic selection in May 2025 stands as a significant step in advancing academic leadership and professional excellence in nursing and midwifery within West Africa.

Although Sierra Leone was due to hold the presidency by rotation this year, Dr. Joan Hannah Elizabeth Estella Shepherd’s election was not automatic. She earned the position following a rigorous regional screening process, emerging as the only Sierra Leonean Nurse Fellow of WAPCNM to meet 100% of the criteria. Her globally accredited PhD in Nursing and distinguished leadership record made her the unanimous choice for the role.

Dr. Joan Hannah Elizabeth Estella Shepherd obtained her doctorate in Nursing – Midwifery and Sexual Reproductive Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa, one of the continent’s premier institutions. Her academic journey also includes a Master of Nursing in Maternal and Child Health and certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse-Midwife (APN/M). During her doctoral training, she engaged in intensive, in-person mentorship with some of the world’s leading nurse scholars, participating in high-level seminars, collaborative research and policy-focused clinical education.

With over four decades of service, Dr. Joan Hannah Elizabeth Estella Shepherd’s career reflects an extraordinary blend of leadership, education and advocacy. She has served as Principal of the National School of Midwifery, Head of Department and Associate Lecturer at the University of Sierra Leone, Member of the Sierra Leone Nurses and Midwives Board and Past President of the Sierra Leone Midwives Association. She is also a Fellow of WAPCNM and a member of Sigma Theta Tau Lambda Chapter.

Renowned for mentoring thousands of nurses and midwives, Dr. Joan Hannah Elizabeth Estella Shepherd has played a pivotal role in shaping national health education reforms and advancing reproductive health initiatives. Her research and consultancy work span maternal and child health, adolescent development, breast cancer awareness, midwifery curricula and nursing pedagogy, with findings published in international peer-reviewed journals and presented at global health summits.

Beyond academia, Dr. Joan Hannah Elizabeth Estella Shepherd has demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy, offering financial and moral support to young people in pursuit of education and personal development.

As Regional President of WAPCNM, Dr. Joan Hannah Elizabeth Estella Shepherd has set out a bold vision to strengthen nursing and midwifery leadership, improve women’s health and build regional capacity across Africa. She also plans to expand her role as a global consultant, amplifying Africa’s voice in health policy, education and gender equity on the international stage.

“Dr. Joan Hannah Elizabeth Estella Shepherd’s presidency underscores the power of leadership rooted in service and education,” noted WAPCNM officials. “Her journey is a testament to Sierra Leone’s growing contribution to global health excellence.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/trailblazer-in-nursing-dr-joan-shepherd-elected-regional-president-of-wapcnm/