Strong nursing workforce key to achievement of Universal Health Coverage 

International Council of Nurses holds meetings to highlight critical role of nurses in UHC and importance of effective regulation 

19 May 2014, Geneva, Switzerland - A series of meetings held by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in advance of the World Health Assembly highlighted the critical issue that the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) cannot be achieved without a sufficient health workforce, adequately trained, appropriately remunerated and working under decent conditions. 

Ninety-one representatives of ICN’s national nursing association (NNA) members met 14-15 May to discuss strengthening NNAs and policy influence as well as addressing key challenges of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Dr. David Evans of the World Health Organization (WHO) described the goal of UHC, saying that “Universal Health Coverage must be available, of good quality and affordable.“ 

Xenia Scheil-Adlung of the International Labour Organization highlighted the key challenges to achieving UHC as the shortage of nurses and other health workers, along with low salaries and challenging working conditions. She concluded by saying, “UHC can only be achieved if funds are made available for a sufficient number of skilled health workers that is trained to be responsive, enjoys decent working conditions and is equally distributed across and within countries.” 

Special guest Her Royal Highness Princess Muna al-Hussein of Jordan, an advocate of the provision of quality nursing services and the advancement of nursing service, practice and education, addressed the participants of the joint Triad meeting on 16-17 May, hosted by ICN, WHO and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). 

“Universal health coverage cannot be achieved without a large, qualified workforce prepared to address the needs of the populations they serve,” said HRH Princess Muna. “As I have said many times in the past, we cannot attempt to strengthen health systems without addressing the health workforce crisis.” 

The Triad meeting addressed issues critical to the provision of safe, quality nursing and midwifery care, the development of the nursing and midwifery professions and the effective regulation of these professions. The focus of this fifth Triad was strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce to support universal health coverage as a means to achieve health goals. Key speakers included Akiko Maeda (The World Bank), Judith Shamian and David Benton (ICN); Ties Boerma and Mwansa Nkowane (WHO), and Frances Day-Stirk and Frances Ganges (ICM). A Communiqué released at the end of the meeting can be accessed here.

Also on 14-15 May, 41 participants from 23 countries attended the ICN’s Credentialing and Regulators Forum, co-hosted by ICM, to discuss key topics such as regulation, education, migration, UHC and advanced practice nursing Many nurses attending these meetings will also participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA), the supreme decision-making body of WHO. ICN encourages and supports nurses to attend the WHA as part of their country’s delegation, or as part of ICN’s delegation, in order to ensure that nurses, the largest health profession in the world, have a voice in highlevel decision making and policy development. 

Note for Editors 

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, ICN works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally. 

For further information contact Lindsey Williamson at: [email protected] 

Tel: +41 22 908 0100; Fax: +41 22 908 0101, www.icn.ch