ICN asks WHO leadership candidates to turn support for nursing into action
The International Council of Nurses (ICN), representing the voice of more than 30 million nurses worldwide, the largest group of health care professionals, has written to all currently disclosed candidates for Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), asking them to set out how they would strengthen nursing’s authority, resources and influence within the Organization and across global health.
The letter, signed by ICN President Dr José Luis Cobos Serrano and Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton, invites candidates to respond to specific proposals and explain the steps they would take during their first term. ICN will share their responses with the global nursing community.
ICN President Dr José Luis Cobos Serrano said:
“Nurses worldwide have a direct stake in WHO’s future. They see every day where health systems are succeeding and where people are being left behind. We are asking each candidate how they will ensure that this expertise shapes WHO’s decisions and that nurses are empowered to lead improvements in health and care.”
The proposals address executive nursing leadership at WHO headquarters, senior nursing leadership in every Regional Office, coordinated access to nursing expertise and a strong, adequately resourced health workforce function. Together, they offer practical ways to embed nursing’s contribution across WHO’s work and strengthen its support to countries.
ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton said:
“These are turbulent times for our world, creating significant threats for global health and the people who deliver health care. That is why it is more important than ever that nurses are at the centre of WHO’s work to prepare for and respond to these challenges. Whatever vision the next Director-General has for global health, they will not be able to deliver it without nurses.”
The initiative builds on ICN’s longstanding partnership with WHO and the progress made in raising nursing’s profile within the Organization. It also seeks to ensure that commitments already agreed by Member States translate into measurable progress.
ICN stands ready to work with WHO’s next Director-General and will extend the same invitation to any additional candidates included in the officially published list.