The Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCCs) for Nursing and Midwifery Development is a network comprising of 44 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 (UHC) and WHO Strategic Direction for Nursing and Midwifery 2021-2025 (SDNM).
With great honour WHO CC UTS has been elected from 2022-2026 as Secretariat of the Global Network for WHO Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery (GNWHOCCNM). The role of Secretariat was handed over from John Hopkins University at the 14th Biennial GNWHOCCNM Conference. John Hopkins University had held the position since 2018. Representing UTS at the ceremony was; Professor Debra Anderson, Dean, Faculty of Health UTS, Michele Rumsey, Director WHO CC UTS, Professor Angela Dawson, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Health UTS. Professor Kathleen Baird Head of Discipline, Midwifery School of Nursing and Midwifery UTS and Tasnuva Tisha Project Officer WHO CC UTS.
The secretariat provides a wonderful profile and opportunity for us to support the WHO in its work.
- Professor Debra Anderson, Dean, Faculty of Health UTS
Lots of potential for collaboration with other WHO CC's in the area of maternal health.
- Professor Kathleen Baird, Head of Discipline, Midwifery School of Nursing and Midwifery UTS
The network is proudly partnered with some of the leading global public health organisations, such as WHO, International Council of Nurses (ICN), the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), John Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, AFREhealth. These partnerships are crucial in assisting the GN WHO CC as it strives to provide a voice for nurses and midwives as well as well as contributing to WHO global and region strategies. The WHO Strategic Direction for nursing and midwifery aligns with the Secretariat term and the strategies priorities of education, leadership, jobs and service delivery will form a focus of the GN WHO CC work plan.
The Handover took place at the 14th Biennial GNWHOCCNM Conference June 14-16th 2022, held in conjunction with the University of Botswana. The conference brings together researchers, nurse leaders, practitioners and educators from the six WHO regions.
Elizabeth Iro, Chief Nurse WHO, congratulated UTS on their nomination
WHO CC UTS is proud to have been sworn in as Secretariat and is eager to work with all collaborating centres and partners in the network over the next four years.
An official UTS launch will take place later in the year.