Welcome to the December 2024 / January 2025 ICN Monthly Update!

We are pleased to offer a summary of our endeavors, achievements, and notable events from the past month. We invite you to explore the latest developments, discoveries, and highlights within our community. Thank you for choosing to stay informed and engaged with us through our Monthly Update!

US withdrawal from WHO

In a 23 January article in Nursing Times, Howard Catton commented on President Trump’s Executive Order to withdraw from WHO, stressing that - because of the multiple health challenges all countries are facing which require global solutions - there has never been a more important time for cooperation and collaboration. Read the full story here.

WEF Annual meeting Davos

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released a video interview with Howard Catton just prior to the opening of its annual meeting in Davos 20-24 January. The video relays ICN’s key messages on the economic power of care and the need for investment in nursing and is a direct call for action to global leaders gathered in Davos. Read more here.

Primary and Preventative Health Care webinar

On 4 December 2024, ICN held a webinar on Primary and Preventative Health Care as the path to Universal health Coverage, with a focus on how student and early career nurses can get involved in policymaking from the very start of their careers. Attended by over 420 participants from more than 70 countries, the webinar session covered various topics including the evolution and significance of primary health care in the global health agenda, the key messages from ICN’s latest PHC report, the emergence and role of Advanced Practice Nurses, patient safety and rehabilitation in primary care. Read more here.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Conference on weapon-wounded care

ICN Head of Partnerships and Programmes Development Karine Lavoie attended the ICRC's first conference on weapon-wounded care in Geneva on 17-18 December 2024. This event strengthened our partnership with the ICRC, particularly in the Global Network for Weapon-Wounded Care and the Surgical Learning Hub. The conference brought together global experts to discuss critical issues in weapon-wounded care, highlighting the need for global collaboration, adherence to WHO guidelines, and support for healthcare workers in conflict zones.

Ceasefire in the Middle East

Following the announcement of a six-week ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Dr Pamela Cipriano released a statement calling for sustained, permanent peace and emphasizing the critical need for long-term support and humanitarian relief in the region. 

The ICN CEO spoke to the presidents of both the Palestinian Nursing and Midwifery Association and the National Association of Nurses in Israel.  These video interviews show the devastating impact of the war on nurses, their patients and the community. 

Women’s rights in Afghanistan

In early December, ICN expressed grave concern at reports that women have been banned from nursing and midwifery studies in Afghanistan, effectively ending Afghan women’s only access to further education and jeopardising women and children’s access to health care. ICN called for the Afghan government to reverse the decision and for the rights of women and girls to be respected everywhere.

Ethical recruitment of nurses

In December 2024, ICN called for the WHO code of practice on the international recruitment of nurses to be significantly strengthened to ensure a fair deal that includes proper compensation for source countries with far fewer nurses and weaker health care systems, and whose nursing workforces are increasingly being targeted by wealthier nations.

ICN’s CEO was prominently featured in a December article by leading Spanish newspaper El País emphasizing how aggressive recruitment from vulnerable health systems widens global inequities and called for strengthened protections and compensation for fragile countries who are losing their nurses. Read the full story here. 

Speaking after a visit to Ghana in December 2024, ICN CEO Howard Catton said the current Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel has not protected countries on WHO’s so-called ‘Red List’ — those countries identified as being so vulnerable that there should be no international recruitment from them — from the aggressive and rampant recruitment of their nurses, including senior nurses with specialist experience and irreplaceable expertise. Read more here.

Appointment of nurses to Saudi Arabian governing council

Two distinguished nurses have been appointed to the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia, which has been restructured to increase female representation to 20% of its 150 members. ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton congratulated Dr Maaidah and Dr Tagwa and welcomed the progress their appointments represent for women and nurses in Saudi Arabia.

University of Milano - Bicocca event

Howard was invited to provide an international perspective on the topic “Investing in nursing = building equity, inclusion, health and peace”  at the event titled “Global Health Challenges: focus on the strategic directions for nursing and midwifery to promote inclusion, equity, health and peace”, organized by the University of Milano – Bicocca. The President of the National Council of Nursing Associations of Italy (CNAI) was also one of the speakers at the event. 

Science Council of Japan

In January, board member Dr. Megumi Teshima was a symposium speaker at the Science Council of Japan on the topic of "Global Crisis - Securing Human Resources for Health”. She addressed 400 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Science Council of Japan, as well as journalists.

She conveyed the importance of ICN’s collaboration with global organizations such as the UN, WHO, and OECD, at a time when there is a need for country leaders to appreciate the breadth of nursing expertise that must be part of healthcare decisions and system strengthening. As a collaborating member of the Science Council, she emphasized the need to bring on younger recruits into nursing in order to overcome the declining population of professionals and ensure that sufficient healthcare human resources are in place to deliver services for health promotion as well as meet the needs of a large aging population.

The ODENNA team continues to excel in its mission to strengthen and empower NNAs worldwide. By focusing on leadership, mentorship and strategic development, ODENNA ensures that NNAs are well-equipped to meet the ever-growing demands of the health care sector. Through their ongoing efforts, they are making a significant impact on the sustainability and advocacy of nursing associations, fostering a brighter future for nurses and the communities they serve.

Exciting progress continues across the LFC programme. The Bangladesh Nurses Association has successfully completed Workshop 1 for Cohorts 5 & 6, with participants now drafting and designing their change projects, while earlier cohorts continue delivering 20 impactful initiatives. The Cambodia Association of Nurses refreshed its Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, preparing five new trainers to deliver LFC content in 2025. The Korean Nursing Association celebrated the graduation of nine participants, who are now ready to continue making impactful change and training future cohorts. The Norwegian Nursing Organization held its first-ever alumni day, bringing together participants from Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 to foster networking and leadership growth. In Seychelles, the LFC programme restarted with 27 new participants actively working on change projects. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Nurses Association is gearing up for its next workshop in February. A big congratulations to all teams for their dedication and commitment to strengthening nursing leadership globally!

Read the December update of the #NursesforPeace campaign here.

Applications for the GNLI 2025 have just closed. This programme not only equips senior nurse leaders with the skills and tools to drive impactful change, but also gives scholars access to a network of nurse leaders who actively engage in global health policy matters. A key highlight of the GNLI programme are the regional projects. The GNLI 2024 cohort has just submitted their plans and we look forward to sharing more details about their ambitious projects in July 2025, during the GNLI regional presentations. For any questions about the GNLI programme or the application process, please contact [email protected].

Girl Child Education Fund 

We are thrilled to announce the start of the new academic year for GCEF students! This year, we are proud to support a new cohort of incredible girls on their educational journey, empowering them to achieve their dreams and build brighter futures. We wish all our students the very best as they embark on this exciting chapter of learning, growth, and success. Together, we continue to make education a pathway to opportunity and change. 

Since 2006, GCEF has supported the education and empowerment of over 430 girls, with many currently benefiting from this life-changing initiative. Thanks to your generosity, we continue to help these young women succeed and thrive across Eswatini, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, creating lasting impacts in their communities and beyond. To support this cause, donations can be made through ICN's bank account or online portal. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us at [email protected] . Thank you for your continued support! 

Humanitarian work

During December and January, the humanitarian team has been continuing to connect with NNAs that are in countries facing humanitarian crisis. We would like to share their insights across the ICN. 

Afghanistan:

In December 2024, the Afghanistan Nurses Association (ANA) highlighted significant challenges for nurses, including gaps in education, inconsistent training quality, staff shortages, and limited resources. Urban-rural disparities and gender barriers further strain the system, as women can only access care from female professionals. The ANA stressed the need for leadership development and stronger nursing representation in government and NGO decision-making. Concerns were also raised about the impact of international sanctions on health care delivery. 

Democratic Republic of the Congo:

In January 2025, the Ordre National des Infirmiers de la RDC outlined the pressing issues impacting nurses across the country. Security risks in the conflict-affected Northeast, where many internally displaced people reside, are coupled with malnutrition, poor infection prevention, and inadequate infrastructure. Rural areas struggle with severe understaffing and frequent supply chain disruptions as heavy rains render roads impassable, isolating nurses from the wider healthcare system. The Order highlighted the need to strengthen leadership skills and establish more resilient supply chains for essential medicines in hard-to-reach regions 

Ethiopia:

The Ethiopian Nurses Association (ENA) shared insights on the health system struggles in conflict and drought-affected regions, including Gambela, Tigray, Amara and Oromia. In Tigray, recovery efforts are ongoing after the civil war devastated health facilities, with insufficient NGO support. Food insecurity and pediatric malnutrition remain critical issues. In Addis Ababa, ENA emphasized the need for specialty training and improved employment rights for nurses. They also proposed 16 MoH hospitals in conflict-affected regions as potential recipients for Direct Relief’s medication support. 

Mozambique:

On 18 December 2024, ICN representatives met with the President of the Mozambique National Nurses Association (ANEMO). The ANEMO discussed the significant challenges faced by nurses in Mozambique at this time, as the country has been facing political instability with state violence against protesters. Nurses have been volunteering through the ANEMO to provide care to civilians who have been injured at large protests that erupted in recent months, through first aid and home care for wounded civilians. 

Nigeria:

In December 2024, ICN engaged with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANMNA) to discuss the pressing issues nurses face, particularly in northern regions. Nurses are working under poor conditions with limited security, as health workers are at risk of kidnappings and violence. High numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons in the north exacerbate healthcare challenges, with outbreaks of infectious diseases and critical shortages of medical supplies. The NNA emphasized the need for specialized training in trauma care, as well as expanded pediatric and maternal health education to address the region's pressing health needs. 

Somaliland:

In January, a meeting was held with Somaliland Nurses & Midwives Association representatives to explore the possibility of implementation of neonatal nursing care trainings . While the project is still in its early proposal stage, this initiative aims to enhance nurses' specialist skills in neonatal care and improve neonatal mortality rates.  

Sudan:

In January, a meeting took place with the Sudanese Nurses Organization. They have nominated a college student for the Early Career Alliance and shared a promising proposal to advance postgraduate nursing education in Sudan during the ongoing conflict. The discussion also highlighted the importance of humanitarian nursing and the experiences of nurses working in challenging contexts. 

Syria:

In January, the ICN met for the first time with the Nursing Syndicate in Idlib (NSI), an NNA in Syria with some 4600 members. In this historic moment in Syria, they are working hard to build connections with global institutions like ICN, as well as with nurses around their own country as they had not had these opportunities in the last decade. They highlighted the severe challenges faced by nurses in Idlib and Syria, and also some incredible achievements among the nurses there during the war. ICN hopes to develop our relationship with the NSI.  

Tanzania:

A meeting with the Tanzania National Nurses Association (TANNA) highlighted key issues, including caring for refugees, rural health care access, and disability inclusion. TNNA raised concerns about nurses taking on non-nursing tasks, heavy workloads, and feeling undervalued, leading some to leave the profession. Advocacy efforts focus on clearer role definitions, job security in NGOs, and improving rural healthcare access. 

Pakistan:

A meeting with the Pakistan Nurses Federation (PNF) highlighted their efforts in education and health care amidst epidemics, poverty, and climate-related disasters like floods. Limited resources in rural areas hamper disaster response, and the need for disaster relief training was emphasized. PNF also addressed the nursing shortage caused by brain drain, expressing interest in collaborating with ICN to improve healthcare access and quality. 

Ukraine:

n partnership with the Ukrainian Nurses Association, ICN collaborated to provide financial assistance to nurses living and working in war zones. In December 2024, material aid was distributed to nurses in the most affected areas, offering vital support during these challenging times. 

ICN Congress 2025

Only four months to go!!! Take advantage of the Early Bird Registration fees for the ICN 2025 Congress, 9-13 June 2025 in Helsinki, Finland. To see more information on the Congress Key Topics, click here! Please check here to see if you need a visa. You can book your accommodation through our platform.  

ICN Congress 2025 Sponsors and Main Sessions

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our current confirmed sponsors, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi. Their generous support and commitment to the ICN Congress 2025 are invaluable.

We are also excited to announce three of our Main sessions for the Congress:

• Strategies for quality and safety in people centred care – with speakers Joseph Manning, Marja Harkanen, and Ken Grubbs, this session highlights the growing challenge of improving and ensuring patient safety in health service delivery globally.
• Advance practice nursing seize the moment – with speakers April Kapu and Michiko Moriyama, this session underscores the critical opportunity we have to transform health care by empowering and optimizing the nursing profession.
• Upholding professional standards for quality nursing care – with speakers Ahmad Omar Hawsawi, Glory Msibi, and Ingrid Patricia Figueroa Salán, this session will cover nursing ethics and regulation as foundational elements for the professional conduct and practices of nurses worldwide.

Congress Email Scamming

Some delegates have reported receiving suspicious emails from individuals claiming to represent ICN or its partners.

Please note the following important points about our official communications:

1. ICN Congress Communications:
   • The ICN uses only [email protected] for all Congress-related correspondence.
2. Hotel Management:
   • Our official and only authorized email address for hotel management is [email protected].

If you receive any messages that seem suspicious or if you have doubts about their authenticity, please contact us at [email protected] immediately for verification. We strongly advise against clicking on links, sharing personal information, or making payments through any channel that is not officially recognized by the ICN.

NP/APN Conference 2026

ICN has selected Nashville, Tennessee, as the site of the 14th ICN Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse Network Conference to be held 14-17 September 2026. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing will host the event in collaboration with the American Nurses Association. Read more here or go to the Conference website.

RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2025

The Royal College of Nursing has announced its call for abstracts for the 2025 Nursing Research Conference, under the theme “Nursing Research: Transforming Global Health in a Changing World”. The Conference will also showcase research that demonstrates strong methodological expertise and team working leading to improved clinical and applied health, public, social and community health and/or acute care settings. For further information and to submit an abstract, visit rcn.org.uk/research25.

IntNSA’s 47th Annual Education Conference

Join the International Nurses Society on Addictions for its 47th annual education conference in Orlando from 11-14 March 2025. Enjoy a full lineup of expert speakers and presenters from around the world as they share their insight and knowledge on a variety of topics related to addictions nursing. Network with other professionals, learn about cutting-edge research and innovations, and participate in interactive workshops and panel discussions. ICN President, Dr Pamela Cipriano, will provide the endnote presentation. The 2025 conference theme is Inclusivity, Education and Advocacy. Get the full details here

International Nurses Day 2025

ICN has announced the theme IND 2025 as Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies highlighting the critical role a healthy nursing workforce plays in strengthening economies, improving health systems, and ensuring better outcomes for communities worldwide. The IND logo is available here.

Universal Health Day, 12 December 2024

On UHC Day, 12 December 2024, ICN called for bold investment in nursing, primary health care and financial protection and released statements with the World Health Professions Alliance calling for leaders to invest in health professionals and avoid over-reliance on unregulated health workers to safely achieve UHC. ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano, co-chair of the UHC2030 Steering Committee, moderated UHC2030’s Town Hall event and spoke at a UHC Day webinar hosted by the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO). IAPO launched the UHC Compass, a tool developed by and for patient organizations to share their lived experiences and advocate for policies that will drive progress toward achieving UHC.