The European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA) is the voice of nursing and midwifery within WHO European Region.Working in partnership and strategically with WHO and other key stakeholders we aim to influence health policy, improve the quality of health services and the health of people across the 53 Member States of the Region. We are passionate advocates of the central and unique contribution that Nurses and Midwives make to individual and population health and well-being across Europe and are committed to ensuring both professions are supported to deliver excellence in their practice. As the nature of care changes we believe that strengthening and developing the nursing and midwifery workforce through the provision of lifelong learning and research delivers excellence in public health and people-centered healthcare.
2020 - International year of the nurse and the midwife
The WHO has proclaimed 2020 The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. EFNNMA has participated in planning activities and events for 2020 together with the WHO European office and also with the International Council of Nurses.
The Global Campaign Nursing Now is moving into its third and final year. Nurses in many countries have already launched national and regional Nursing Now campaigns. It is with great excitement we announce that on 19th of March the Nursing Now Russia campaign will be launched in Saint Petersburg. And on 20th March the Russian Nurses Federation in collaboration with EFNNMA and ICN will hold a Policy Day Workshop for Nursing and Midwifery Associations in Eastern European countries. We will share plans for celebrating The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and also share challenges NNAs and NMAs are facing. You will receive an invitation in a few days.
On World Health Day 7th March 2020 the WHO will launch the first ever State of the World’s Nursing Report (SoWN). The WHO Office in Geneva is leading the work in close collaboration with the WHO European Office. WHO has asked all Member States to deliver data for the report. To support country data collection process WHO Euro will use data from existing data bases and WHO and European Observatory on Health systems and policies. Data from the mapping study on nursing and midwifery education in Europe that was conducted with EFNNMA support. WHO Euro works with the country focal points and according to the latest information the Region will prepare solid data for the global SoWN Report.
The Year 2020 is high on the agenda of EFNNMA and WHO Euro. Attached to this newsletter you will find a list of global and regional events.
In May 2020 the WHO, ICN and ICM will hold the Triade meeting in Geneva ahead of the 70th session of the World Health Assembly.
In September 13th-17th 2020 the WHO Regional Committee will be held in Israel for the 53 Member States of Europe. WHO Euro has already committed to high focus on Nursing and Midwifery. EFNNMA will attend the Regional Committee in Israel with a delegation of nurses and midwives. EFNNMA will make interventions at the Regional Committee to give voice to the nursing and midwifery professions.
We are also discussing a side event to focus on nursing and midwifery.To wrap up this very special year in November the WHO Euro Regional Office will invite EFNNMA, Chief Government Nursing and Midwifery Officers and WHO Collaborating Centers of Europe to an event in Copenhagen.
Here EFNNMA will take an active part in preparations in order to facilitate the regional reflections on the achievement of ESDNM goals and in developing the strategy 2030.
Specific approach to communication strategy will be undertaken in 2020 to maximize visibility of nurses and midwives on WHO official sources and platforms. This year the number of stories reflecting nursing and midwifery practice, the choice of professions, the specifics of roles of young specialists and experienced leaders has increased. In collaboration with EFNNMA publications were prepared for a number of the World Health days to focus on nursing and midwifery.
Next year’s communication plans are most ambitious. The task is to include nursing and midwifery stories from all 53 Member States focusing on aspects of practice, regulation, innovative care models, advancements in education. The plan is to publish one story per week.
The concept note of Communication strategy will be ready in January and EFNNMA as WHO accredited partner will have an opportunity to suggest stories, videos and information, and we hope that many of you will take this opportunity to submit stories.
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE NURSE AND THE MIDWIFE RESOURCES
Let me thank all EFNNMA members for continued support! In the end of the year a new member - Belarus Nurses Association has joined EFNNMA. We feel strong and ready for 2020 and trust you all are developing great plans for 2020 to successfully achieve your goals. 2020 is the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife - This is OUR year, and we must use every day to advance our professions for greater service to our populations.