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.
EFNNMA shared views on WHO/Europe's forthcoming European Programme of Work
WHO/Europe held its first-ever virtual consultation with non-State actors (NSAs) as part of the open consultation process of the European Programme of Work (EPW) “United action for better health”.
Opening the session, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge explained that during his career in public health around the world he has learned the power of “positive partnership”, and welcomed the input of NSAs to the consultation process.
The briefing was an opportunity for NSAs to present their views on the EPW and find out more about the Programme’s priorities. It also offered the chance for WHO/Europe to strengthen ties with NSAs that it hopes will play a vital role in the implementation of the EPW, thanks to their extensive experience, expertise, and broad and influential reach across the WHO European Region.
Thanking WHO/Europe for the opportunity to comment on the EPW, Dr Iveta Nagyova of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) said, “We welcome the European Programme of Work and we are impressed with the plans for the near future.”
The session involved an open question-and-answer session where directors of the divisions of WHO/Europe responded to participants’ questions.
Interventions
The briefing heard from 8 representatives from organizations including AGE Platform Europe, EUPHA, EuroHealthNet, the European Forum of Medical Associations, the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations, the European Patients’ Forum, the European Public Health Alliance and the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME).
Their interventions covered a number of important health topics, including access to patient-centred care, addressing health inequalities, the need to support the health workforce, the role of research and evidence, and healthy ageing and how it is addressed by the EPW.
Noting that 2020 marks the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, one intervention highlighted the role of these professionals in promoting health and supporting patients with noncommunicable diseases, particularly in the context of COVID-19.
Valentina Sarkisova, EFNNMA Chair, presented an oral statement on behalf of organization, and focused the urjent need for WHO Euro to support countries on investing into nursing and midwifery profession, developing and implementing leadership programs and establishing more nursing positions to strengthen healthcare systems. Concluding the intervention EFNNMA Chair said about the importance of establishing the CNMO post at WHO European office.
WHO Euro established prolonged consultations with partnering NGOs that has allowed EFNNMA to submit more detailed written statement with comments to the 5-year WHO Work plan. We hope that the upcoming period will be the time of real investments into both nursing and midwifery professions.
Documentation
EFNNMA oral statement
EFNNMA written statement
Online consultation