Who is missing at the WHO? The nursing voice excluded from policy at World Health Organization

From: www.icn.ch
Geneva, Switzerland; Valletta Malta, 7 May 2011 – Expressing extreme concern at the lack of nursing policy presence within the World Health Organization (WHO) structures, an emergency resolution* was passed by the governing body of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) at its biennial meeting held in Valetta, Malta. The official representatives of ICN’s member national nurses associations voted unanimously to demand that the WHO Director General empower and finance nursing leadership positions throughout the organization.
“At this time of health system redesign aiming to enable access and costefficiency, it doesn’t make sense for WHO to advocate for nurses to fully participate in the health care team at the clinical level, yet exclude them from playing their full role at the policy table,” declared ICN President Rosemary Bryant.
“As we move to discussion of the Resolution on Nursing and Midwifery at the upcoming World Health Assembly, we urge member states to add their weight to the call on Dr Chan to remedy the appalling lack of nursing leadership positions throughout WHO structures, including at headquarters and in the regional offices, beginning with reestablishment of the post of WHO Chief Nurse Scientist.”
Editor’s notes
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 130 national nurses associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses and leading nursing internationally since 1899. ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all and sound health policies globally.
*The Board of Directors and the Council of National Representative of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) resolved: The WHO Director General should empower and finance nursing leadership positions throughout WHO and immediately recruit suitably qualified expert nurses and appoint them to the vacant positions at WHO Headquarters, regional and national offices in order to support an organisation wide structure that facilitates the full contribution of nurses to the entire range of the WHO responsibilities.
For further information contact Linda Carrier-Walker
Tel: +41 22 908 0100 – fax: +41 22 908 0101
Web site: www.icn.ch

International Nurses Day 2011

Geneva, 12 May 2011 | International Nurses Day, celebrated every year on 12 May marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. As every year, it is an opportunity to pay special attention to the essential role played by nurses everywhere in the world in the provision of health services to citizens . Similarly, the shortage of nurses in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rural and hard to reach areas, constitutes a major obstacle to accessing health care. Nurses who stay in their job are often overworked, poorly paid and have low social status, as well as limited tools and resources and few career development opportunities. .

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “CLOSING THE GAP: INCREASING ACCESS AND EQUITY”. The gap is understood as the divide in accessing health care services between rich and poor, between developing and developed countries, between women and men, and between rural and urban residents.

Access and equity encompass a range of principles such as availability and use of services , relevance of the services based on the local needs , achievement of the desired treatment or service , and equity in access to services among different population groups.

Alliance member, the International Council of Nurses (ICN), has developed a toolkit that provides in-depth analysis of the concepts of this year’s theme. The ICN is also the lead health professional organization for the Positive Practice Environment Campaign, an initiative supported by the Alliance that advocates for healthy and supportive work environments within health systems.
From: http://www.who.int/workforcealliance/media/news/2011/ind2011statement/en/
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Vacancy at Burnet Institute in Indonesia

Burnet Indonesia is the representative of the Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health of Melbourne, Australia (Burnet Institute), in Indonesia. Burnet Indonesia aims to improve the health and well being of vulnerable individuals and communities in Indonesia by developing and implementing programs based on needs identified in partnership with local organizations (NGOs, private sector, government, and universities).
The Burnet Institute is an internationally recognized medical research and public health agency investigating and responding to some of today’s most serious viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis and measles. The Burnet Institute is a not for profit organization, accredited by the Australian Agency for International Development as a non-government organization (NGO), and an UNAIDS Collaborating Partner. Globally, the Institute undertakes a diverse range of activities in the field of public health and international development
with other international agencies, government agencies, and NGOs.
We are currently seeking qualified Indonesian national for the post of Program Officer – Health/SRH. This post will be based in Bali. Continue reading Vacancy at Burnet Institute in Indonesia