WHOCC Elected Secretariat for Global Network

On 17 November 2022, key local, national, regional and global stakeholders joined together in celebration of WHOCC's new role of Secretariat for the Global Network of World Health Organization Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery (GNWHOCCNM). Founded in 1988, the GNWHOCCNM connects 44 WHO Collaborating Centers and network partners to advance Health for All through excellence in nursing and midwifery. In attendance were colleagues from across UTS; including Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt, key partners from the National Department of Health Papua New Guinea (NDoH PNG), Pacific Island Ministries of Health, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, and WHO Headquarters; and participants from 42 WHO Nursing and Midwifery Collaboration Centres. Overall 42 countries across the globe were represented, including industry partners: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), Australian Nursing Council (ANC), Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), ACT Health and the Australian Government Department of Health.

Key speakers included Prof. Andrew Parfitt (Vice-Chancellor & President, UTS), Prof. Verity Firth (Pro VC, Social Justice & Inclusion, UTS), Prof. Debra Anderson (Dean, Faculty of Health UTS). Prof. Michele Rumsey (Director, WHOCC UTS), Prof. Kathleen Baird (Head of Discipline, School of Nursing and Midwifery, UTS), Prof. James Buchan (Adjunct Professor, UTS), Ms Harriet Sam (Principal Nursing Officer, Vanuatu), and Ms Elizabeth Iro (Chief Nursing Officer, WHO HQ). Each spoke to the value and importance of the centre’s appointment to the position of Secretariat.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Andrew Parfitt acknowledged the value that the Centre’s appointment to Secretariat has brought to UTS: specifically, the value of the university strengthening its connections and collaborations with key international stakeholders in health development and contributing to the Faculty of Health’s international focus. Secondly, the university’s commitment to its UTS’ 2027 strategy and values initiatives: ‘connected research’, ‘sustainable partnerships’, ‘working together’, and ‘our distinctive identity’ were affirmed in alignment with the functions of the Global Network, demonstrating the university’s engagement in leading global health initiatives.

After the conclusion of the speeches, nurse advisors or representatives from the EMRO, EURO, AFRO and SEARO regions congratulated the Centre on the appointment, affirming commitment to future collaborative efforts in achieving key outcomes in alignment with Universal Health Coverage. Debra Anderson, Dean of the Faculty of Health, UTS Debra Anderson gave concluding remarks.

The election of WHO CC UTS to the position of Secretariat for the GNWHOCCNM is of great significance to the University and the Faculty of Health. It will facilitate connections between the University and its regional and international partners, and consolidate the University’s position as a leader in international health development.   - Prof. Debra Anderson

Director Prof. Michele Rumsey expressed that across the global network, Nursing and Midwifery Collaborating Centres are delivering a number of different research projects to address global health trends and further the WHO health agenda.

Through knowledge sharing and capacity building across the network we are honoured to contribute to key health and development priorities and work towards achieving WHO’s vision of health for all. - Prof. Michele Rumsey

There are a number of projects currently underway at WHO CC UTS that are being conducted in partnership with nurses and midwives across the Pacific region, including Pacific leadership programs and health workforce quality improvement programs, as well as a significant health strengthening education program with Papua New Guinea’s National Department of Health, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. To access full press release, click here.