Page 14 - World of Irish Nursing April 2018

NEWS 19

INMO calls for safety at work on IWD

On International Women’s
Day 2018 the InMO Execu-
tive Council paid tribute to all
those who have struggled and
been oppressed in working for
equality for all women.
Using the theme of bread
and roses, the Organisation
remembered particularly the
women who have worked
so hard for equal pay, equal
treatment and freedom from
oppression and violence in the
workplace and beyond.
Violence against women is a
pervasive problem within our
societies, and this touches all
aspects of life, including the
workplace.
Assaults on nurses and mid- Solidarity on International Women’s Day:
The INMO highlighted violence against women in the workplace on International Nurses Day; pictured is a gathering of the
wives in the health services Executive Council, directors and officers who paid tribute to all those who have struggled in working for equality for women
are a reality with over 3,500
assaults on health workers in The InMO called on health adequately staffed, staff ade- staff must be supported follow-
the past six years, and about service employers and the State quately trained, health, safety ing assaults and services must
two-thirds of those against to do more to ensure that ser- and security measures must adopt a zero-tolerance policy
nurses and midwives. vices are safe. Services must be be funded and implemented, towards the abuse of staff.

Annette Kennedy appointed to WHO Commission

AnnETTE KEnnEDy, president accelerate progress on nCDs, these work programmes, and
of the International Coun- in line with the agenda for Sus- advocating for health policies
cil of nurses (ICn), has been tainable Development target that integrate nCD preven-
selected to serve on the World of a one-third reduction in pre- tion into health planning,
Health Organization (WHO) mature nCD deaths by 2030. nursing curriculum and work-
Independent Global High-Level nCDs kill 15 million people force strengthening across the
Commission on noncommuni- between the ages of 30 and health system continuum.
cable Diseases (nCDs). 69 each year. Low- and low- However, nCDs represent
The Commission, which er-middle income countries are a global health priority to
was established by WHO particularly affected by nCDs which there is the potential for
director-general Dr Tedros with almost 50% of premature the profession to contribute
Adhanom Ghebreyesus, aims deaths from nCDs occurring in further. The work of the Com-
to identify innovative ways to these countries. mission will be extremely useful
curb the world’s biggest causes nurses make an important in developing a set of recom-
of death and extend life expec- contribution to tackling nCDs mendations and measures for
tancy for millions of people. and, as the largest group of ICN president Annette Kennedy action. I am delighted to rep-
It will support ongoing polit- healthcare professionals, are appointed to WHO Global resent the nursing profession
ical efforts to accelerate action the key providers of nCD Commission on NCDs on this Commission.” Further
on cardiovascular disease, can- prevention, treatment and this High-Level Commission, information on the Commission
cers, diabetes and respiratory management. nurses, as the but also critically important is available on: www.who.int
disease, as well as reducing the point of first contact, are well that nurses have a voice at InMO general secretary Phil
burden of mental health issues positioned to detect, treat and these high-level, policy setting ní Sheaghdha said: “We would
and the impact of violence and refer patients with nCDs as arenas,” said Ms Kennedy, who like to congratulate Annette
injuries. well as to provide information is former director of profes- on her appointment which is a
The Commission will advise and counselling to the public sional development with the great achievement for an Irish WIN Vol 26 No 3 April 2018
the WHO on bold and practi- on prevention of nCDs. InMO. “Many nurses in both nurse. We wish her all the best
cal recommendations, and new “It is an incredible honour clinical and non-clinical roles and look forward to working
opportunities, for countries to to be chosen as a member of are already contributing to closely with her in her new role.”