A World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre is an institute designated by the WHO Director-General to form part of an international collaborative network which supports and undertakes projects in support of the Organization's programmes at all levels (country, inter-country, regional, interregional and global) (WHO 2006).
Since WHO's establishment, it has obtained expert advice and support from a large number of Collaborating Centres which has greatly benefited WHO's programmes.
Main role
The main role of WHO Collaborating Centres is to implement WHO's mandated work and programme objectives; and develop and strengthen institutional capacity in countries and regions.
WHO is divided into six regions and Australia sits in the Western Pacific Region (WPRO) (coloured dark blue in the map below). We also work closely with our neighbours in the South East Asian Region (SEARO) (light blue in the map below). These two regions account for 53% of the global population which is the epicentre for disasters and emerging and epidemic diseases.
The WPRO includes 37 countries. Like many of the WHO regions, the challenging considerations of disparity and diversity that exist for nursing and midwifery in the WPRO cannot be underestimated (ICN 2004, ANMC 2000, RCNA 2004). Alongside these challenges most WPRO countries have an aging, diverse, demanding and informed population.
The WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology, Sydney Australia, is a member of the Global Network of WHO CCs for Nursing and Midwifery Development which is a network comprising of WHO Collaborating Centres from the six regions of WHO, who focus on nursing and midwifery. Founded in 1988 the Network strives to enhance the collaborative activities of Nursing and Midwifery Collaborating Centres, supporting WHO's efforts toward universal health coverage.
At present there are over 40 global WHO Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery. For the most up-to-date information please visit the WHO Collaborating Centre database.
Designation application process
A designation application to become a Collaborating Centre can only be submitted following a two-year working relationship with WHO. The designation process takes at least two years.
Each institute is assessed for a variety of aspects including scientific and technical standing and development of working relationships at country, regional and global levels.
Designation can only be given for a maximum of four years. Designation as a WHO Collaborating Centre is not a certification of excellence, a prize or an award, or indefinite.