NURSING AND MIDWIFERY WORKFORCE AND UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC) 

 

The sixth biennial Global Forum for Government Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers (GCNMOs) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 14-15 May 2014. The Forum was organized by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Department of Health Workforce, under the leadership of its Director Dr Ties Boerma, and Technical Officer for Nursing and Midwifery, Mwansa Nkowane.

 

The 2014 Forum theme was Nursing and Midwifery Workforce and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

 

Since 2004, several meetings have been organized and have greatly contributed to shaping the global, regional and country agenda on Nursing and Midwifery. Nursing and Midwifery Workforce and Universal Health coverage was identified as the main theme for the 2014 Meetings of the collaborating partners: the WHO, the International Council of Nurses (ICN), and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and also for the TRIAD meeting, which was held 16-17 May 2014.

THE CONTEXT

Nursing and midwifery services are key components of health systems and are essential to society. The contribution of nurses and midwives has long been acknowledged as being crucial to improving the health outcomes of individuals, families and communities. Nurses and midwives being a part of the frontline workers are engaged in efforts to promote health, prevent illness and to renew Primary Health-care (PHC) based on the core values of equity, solidarity, social justice, universal access to efficient and affordable services, multisectoral action, decentralization and community participation.

 

As the target date for the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) draws closer, there is a need to mobilize collective efforts and draw on lessons learnt and plan beyond 2015.

 

Government Chief Nursing Officers and Midwives, registrars of regulatory bodies and presidents/executives of nursing and midwifery associations are important national and international leaders in health development. They play strategic roles, such as, policy formulation, leadership and management, education, standard setting and regulation. These leaders are key partners with the World Health Organization, International Council of Nurses and the International Confederation of Midwives.

 

The sixth Forum was in line with the 2011–2015 WHO Strategic Directions for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery. The three subthemes of the sixth Forum of the WHO GCNMOs with objectives and expected outcomes are outline below. This report summarizes the Forum’s deliberations and conclusions.

1. OVERALL AIM

2. THE SUBTHEMES AND OBJECTIVES

A. LEADERSHIP AND POLICY DIRECTION FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC).

B. QUANTITY, QUALITY AND RELEVANCE OF THE NURSING AND MIDWIFERY WORKFORCE.

C. COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS IN THE CURRENT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC REALITIES AND BEYOND.

3. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

 

Click Here To Download The Full Report

 

Source:

GANM (Global Alliance for Nursing and Midwifery)