Stephanie Copus Campbell AM: New Patron for WHO CC NM UTS

We are delighted to announce that as of April 10^th, 2024, Stephanie Copus Campbell (AM) is the new patron and ambassador of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney (WHO CC NM UTS).

Ms Copus Campbell was appointed Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality in 2022 by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). She has extensive experience working in the Pacific Region, serving as the head of Australia’s bilateral aid programs with Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tuvalu among other regional initiatives. 

“I am honoured to be appointed as the new patron of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney. I know firsthand, from years of working in the health sector in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, the absolute important contribution nurses and midwives make to quality health service delivery and health system strengthening. They are not only health care providers, but managers and leaders. I am proud to support their continual upskilling and development so they are best equipped to carry out their essential roles that ensure the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and nations.”

As part of their International Development Policy, DFAT have outlined the need for women in leadership and decision-making positions to combat gender-inequality. WHO CC Nursing and Midwifery UTS’ commitment to build and strengthen the regional capacity of nurses and midwives, a woman-dominated health profession, aligns directly with this goal. Nurses and midwives provide over 74% of regulated healthcare within Pacific Island Countries and Territories, with women making up over 95% of this workforce. 

Ms Copus Campbell herself has been consistently vocal about the need for having women at the table – to not just lead but be involved in discourse and decision-making. Earlier this April, we were honoured to have Ms Copus Campbell at the 2024 Pacific Leadership Program hosted by WHO CC Nursing and Midwifery UTS. She attended the Welcome Reception where the DFAT Partnerships for a Health Region funding for the Centre was announced. This marked her first event as an official Patron for the Centre and we look forward to her continued patronship in the future.

Her role as the Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality, her network and her work experience in this Region puts Ms Copus Campbell in a unique and ideal position to support our work in progressing and promoting the important role of nurses and midwives in achieving Universal Health Coverage and gender equality.