Page 106 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

Nurses and midwives have much to contribute to the development and implementation of health

policy. This is the case at local, national and international level.

It has been argued that there is an under-representation of nurses and midwives within the World

Health Organization.

This lack of a nursing voice is recognized by the organization.

One of the recommendations of a recent strategic paper is that “mechanisms [be] established or

strengthened to ensure that nursing and midwifery expertise is included in the development of
health policies and programmers at all levels, including those at WHO”. (See also box below.)

World Health Organization – nursing and midwifery strategy 2002-2008

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners in this nursing and midwifery initiative have

identified five key result areas, each with specific objectives and expected results which are crucial
to strengthening nursing and midwifery services.

1: Health planning, advocacy and political commitment National development and health plans

provide for adequate nursing and midwifery services and expertise.

2: Management of health personnel for nursing and midwifery services National employment

policies are implemented for the nursing and midwifery workforce that are gender-sensitive,
based on healthy and safe work environments and conditions, provide for equitable rewards and

recognition of competencies, and are linked to a transparent career structure.

3: Practice and health system improvement Nursing and midwifery expertise is fully integrated

into decision-making processes at all levels, and health systems use best available practices for the
care of individuals, families and communities.

4: Education of health personnel for nursing and midwifery services Competent practitioners with

an appropriate skill mix are available to deal effectively with the current and future challenges of

102 Academic Year 2025/2026