(Unit IV) The International Health Organization and Nursing

Organization
The International Health Organization (IHO) would be an intergovernmental body aimed at
promoting global health, addressing public health challenges, and fostering cooperation among
nations to improve healthcare access and equity worldwide.

Mission and Vision:

 Mission: To promote global health equity, prevent and control disease outbreaks,
improve healthcare access, and strengthen health systems through international
collaboration, research, and innovation.
 Vision: A world where every individual enjoys optimal health, irrespective of
socioeconomic status or geographical location.

Core Functions:

1. Disease Prevention and Control:

o Monitor and respond to global health threats such as pandemics, emerging
diseases, and antimicrobial resistance.
o Collaborate with national health agencies to implement vaccination campaigns,
hygiene programs, and health education.
2. Health System Strengthening:
o Provide technical assistance to countries to build resilient health systems,
focusing on universal healthcare coverage.
o Support healthcare infrastructure development, human resource training, and the
adoption of digital health technologies.
3. Global Health Equity:
o Work towards reducing health disparities by advocating for equitable access to
healthcare, medications, and vaccines.
o Address social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and nutrition.
4. Research and Innovation:
o Foster international collaboration in medical research, with a focus on new
treatments, disease prevention, and health technologies.
o Promote the use of evidence-based health policies and practices globally.
5. Emergency Health Response:
o Act as a rapid response team to health emergencies such as natural disasters,
epidemics, and humanitarian crises.
o Provide logistical support, medical supplies, and trained personnel to affected
areas.
6. Health Promotion and Education:
o Develop global health awareness campaigns addressing issues like mental health,
chronic diseases, reproductive health, and substance abuse.
o Partner with educational institutions to promote public health literacy.
Organizational Structure:

 General Assembly: Comprising representatives from all member states, setting the
strategic direction and priorities.
 Executive Board: A smaller body responsible for implementing policies and overseeing
the organization's activities.
 Regional Offices: Subdivided into regions (e.g., Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific) to address
local health challenges with tailored strategies.
 Technical Committees: Composed of global health experts, researchers, and
policymakers providing guidance on specialized areas such as infectious diseases,
maternal and child health, and environmental health.

Partnerships:

 Governments: Collaborate with national health ministries to support public health

initiatives and policies.
 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Work with NGOs to reach underserved
populations and deliver health services in remote areas.
 Private Sector: Partner with pharmaceutical companies, tech firms, and innovators to
advance health technologies and make treatments affordable.
 Academic Institutions: Support research and training programs that aim to address
global health challenges.

Funding:

 Contributions from Member States: Member countries would provide financial support
based on their economies.
 Grants and Donations: Seek grants from international donors, philanthropists, and
foundations.
 Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private entities on research, technology,
and infrastructure development.

This International Health Organization would act as a central body to coordinate global efforts
toward improving health outcomes, combating diseases, and building stronger health systems
worldwide

An International Nursing Organization (INO) would serve as a global body dedicated to

advancing the nursing profession, supporting nursing professionals worldwide, and addressing
global healthcare challenges through nursing expertise. Here’s a structure and overview of how
the organization might operate:

Mission and Vision:

 Mission: To empower nurses globally by advocating for high standards of nursing

practice, improving access to professional development, and fostering international
collaboration to improve global healthcare.
  Vision: A world where nurses are recognized as key leaders in healthcare, shaping
policies and providing high-quality, equitable care to all individuals, regardless of
location or socioeconomic status.

Core Functions:

1. Professional Development and Education:

o Provide global standards for nursing education and practice, ensuring nurses
worldwide receive consistent, high-quality training.
o Offer continuous education programs, certifications, and professional
development opportunities through workshops, online courses, and global
conferences.
2. Global Nursing Advocacy:
o Advocate for the role of nurses in shaping healthcare policies at the international,
national, and local levels.
o Work with governments and international organizations (like WHO) to address
nursing shortages and improve working conditions, wages, and benefits for nurses
worldwide.
3. Research and Innovation:
o Promote nursing research by supporting studies that address global health
challenges, patient care innovations, and nursing leadership.
o Provide funding and platforms for sharing best practices and evidence-based care
models, focusing on improving patient outcomes and advancing the role of nurses
in healthcare innovation.

Objective 1 International council of Nursing

The Council of Nursing would serve as a global regulatory and advisory body focused on
establishing standards for nursing education, practice, ethics, and leadership. Its primary aim
would be to ensure the highest quality of nursing care across diverse healthcare systems, while
promoting the growth and recognition of the nursing profession globally.

Mission and Vision:

 Mission: To regulate, standardize, and advance the nursing profession by setting global
standards for education, practice, and ethics, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to
all individuals worldwide.
 Vision: A unified and professionalized nursing workforce that leads in healthcare
delivery, policy formulation, and patient advocacy across all global health systems.

Core Functions:

1. Standardization of Nursing Education:

o Develop global guidelines and standards for nursing education programs, ensuring
consistency in training, qualifications, and competencies for nurses worldwide.
 o Accredit nursing schools and education programs that meet these international
standards, promoting quality assurance in nursing education.
2. Licensing and Certification:
o Establish a framework for nursing licensure, including guidelines for initial
licensing, renewal, and continuing education requirements.
o Create an internationally recognized certification for specialized areas of nursing,
ensuring that nurses with advanced skills are globally recognized.
3. Regulation of Nursing Practice:
o Set global standards of practice, ensuring nurses provide care that meets
professional, ethical, and legal standards.
o Establish clear guidelines for scope of practice across various nursing roles (e.g.,
nurse practitioners, registered nurses, midwives), aligning with global health
needs and expectations.
o Develop disciplinary procedures to address issues of professional misconduct and
unethical behavior in nursing practice.
4. Nursing Ethics and Conduct:
o Create and promote a universal code of ethics for nurses that reflects cultural
competency, patient rights, professional integrity, and compassionate care.
o Ensure that ethical standards are integrated into all levels of nursing education and
practice, supporting nurses in delivering patient-centered care.
5. Professional Development:
o Promote lifelong learning through continuing education and professional
development opportunities for nurses at all career stages.
o Offer scholarships, grants, and fellowships for advanced nursing education,
research, and leadership training.
6. Global Nursing Leadership:
o Establish leadership programs to develop nurses into healthcare leaders and
policymakers, enabling them to contribute to shaping healthcare systems globally.
o Promote leadership roles for nurses in international health organizations,
hospitals, academic institutions, and community healthcare settings.
7. Advocacy and Policy Influence:
o Advocate for nurses in international policy discussions, ensuring that nursing
perspectives are included in health policy formulation, especially in areas like
healthcare access, patient safety, and workforce development.
o Support the development of health policies that address global health challenges
such as nursing shortages, health equity, and access to care in underserved
populations.
8. Research and Evidence-Based Practice:
o Promote and support nursing research, focusing on evidence-based practices that
improve patient outcomes and address global health issues.
o Establish partnerships with academic institutions and healthcare organizations to
facilitate nursing-led research initiatives and evidence-based care models.

Organizational Structure:

1. General Assembly:
 o Comprising representatives from national nursing councils, regulatory bodies, and
nursing associations from different countries. The General Assembly would serve
as the decision-making body, setting priorities, and adopting key policies for the
Council.
2. Executive Committee:
o A governing body composed of elected members from the General Assembly.
The Executive Committee would oversee the Council’s daily operations and
ensure the implementation of its strategic goals.
3. Accreditation and Licensing Board:
o A specialized body responsible for evaluating and accrediting nursing schools,
programs, and institutions, as well as setting standards for nursing licensure and
certification.
4. Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee:
o Responsible for maintaining and updating the global code of ethics for nurses, and
managing cases of professional misconduct.
5. Research and Development Unit:
o Focuses on fostering nursing research, promoting evidence-based practices, and
developing global health initiatives through nursing expertise.
6. Regional Chapters:
o Regional offices in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle
East would address region-specific nursing challenges and align global standards
with local healthcare needs.

Key Initiatives:

1. Global Nursing Standards:

o Develop and maintain global standards for nursing education, licensing, and
practice that member countries can adopt and implement locally, creating
uniformity in nursing qualifications and quality of care.
2. International Nursing Examination:
o Establish an International Nursing Competency Examination that would assess
the skills and knowledge of nursing graduates worldwide, ensuring that they meet
the Council's global standards.
3. Nursing Leadership Program:
o Offer leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities to nurture
future nursing leaders capable of shaping healthcare systems and policies.
4. Global Continuing Education Platform:
o Create a platform for continuing nursing education that allows nurses to access
online courses, webinars, and certifications from any part of the world, ensuring
ongoing professional growth.
5. Nursing Workforce Strategy:
o Develop a global nursing workforce strategy to address issues such as nursing
shortages, brain drain, and the growing demand for nurses, particularly in
underserved and aging populations.

Partnerships:
  World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborate with WHO to align nursing standards
with global health goals and priorities.
 Governments and Health Ministries: Work with national health authorities to support
the development of nursing regulation, education, and workforce strategies.
 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Partner with NGOs to promote the role of
nurses in global health initiatives, particularly in low-resource settings.
 Academic Institutions: Build relationships with nursing schools and universities to
promote advanced nursing education, research, and innovation.

Objective 2. World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations
responsible for international public health. Founded in 1948, WHO is headquartered in Geneva,
Switzerland, and works with member states, non-governmental organizations, and other
stakeholders to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. WHO is
committed to achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies, and promoting
healthier populations globally,

Mission and Vision:

 Mission: To promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, with a focus
on ensuring universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies, and protecting all
people from disease.
 Vision: A world where all people attain the highest possible standard of health and well-
being.

Key Functions:

1. Global Health Leadership:

o WHO serves as the leading authority on global health matters, providing
leadership on critical health issues, facilitating collaboration between countries,
and setting global health priorities.
2. Health Standards and Guidelines:
o WHO develops evidence-based norms and standards for health practices,
medications, vaccines, and diagnostics to ensure consistency and safety across
countries. These guidelines are used by governments and health providers to
deliver care and protect public health.
3. Health Systems Strengthening:
o WHO assists countries in building stronger health systems to achieve universal
health coverage (UHC). This includes training healthcare workers, improving
infrastructure, and ensuring access to essential medicines and healthcare services.
4. Monitoring Global Health Trends:
 o WHO monitors health trends and provides data on health indicators such as life
expectancy, maternal mortality, and disease prevalence. It also tracks the spread
of infectious diseases and emerging health threats, such as COVID-19 and Ebola.
5. Health Research and Innovation:
o WHO promotes and coordinates international research efforts to find solutions to
global health challenges, including new treatments, vaccines, and public health
strategies. It ensures that the results of health research are shared globally.
6. Emergency Health Response:
o WHO plays a critical role in responding to global health emergencies, including
pandemics, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks. It coordinates international
efforts, provides emergency supplies, and helps countries build their capacities to
respond to health crises.
7. Disease Control and Prevention:
o WHO leads global efforts to combat major health challenges such as infectious
diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis, HIV), chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases), and new pandemics. It runs programs that promote
immunization, safe water, sanitation, and nutrition.

Structure:

1. World Health Assembly (WHA):

o The governing body of WHO, composed of representatives from all 194 member
states, meets annually to set policies, approve budgets, and appoint the Director-
General.
2. Executive Board:
o The Executive Board is made up of 34 health experts from member states, which
provides oversight and ensures that the WHA's decisions are implemented
effectively.
3. Secretariat:
o The Secretariat, led by the Director-General, is responsible for implementing
WHO's work and policies. The Director-General is the chief technical and
administrative officer of WHO.
4. Regional Offices:
o WHO has six regional offices around the world (Africa, the Americas, Eastern
Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific), allowing it to
address region-specific health issues and support countries in implementing health
strategies.

WHO's Impact:

1. Eradication of Smallpox:
o One of WHO's greatest achievements was leading the global effort to eradicate
smallpox in 1980, saving millions of lives and proving the power of international
collaboration in disease eradication.
2. Global Polio Eradication Initiative:
 o WHO has been at the forefront of efforts to eradicate polio, reducing global polio
cases by 99% since the initiative began in 1988.
3. COVID-19 Response:
o During the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO played a key role in coordinating the
global response, providing guidance, distributing essential supplies, and
supporting vaccine distribution through initiatives like COVAX.
4. Tobacco Control:
o WHO developed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a
global treaty that aims to reduce tobacco consumption and prevent millions of
deaths due to smoking-related diseases.
5. Universal Health Coverage (UHC):
o WHO actively supports countries in achieving UHC, ensuring that everyone,
everywhere, can access essential health services without suffering financial
hardship.

Challenges:

1. Health Inequalities:
o Despite progress, WHO continues to face challenges in reducing health disparities
between high-income and low-income countries. Health access remains unequal,
especially in remote and under-resourced areas.
2. Emerging Diseases:
o The emergence of new infectious diseases, including COVID-19, Zika, and other
zoonotic diseases, presents ongoing challenges to global health security.
3. Funding:
o WHO relies on contributions from member states and donors to fund its
programs. Funding shortfalls can limit its ability to respond quickly to health
emergencies or address ongoing health challenges.

Future Goals:

1. Achieving Universal Health Coverage:

o WHO continues to advocate for health systems strengthening to ensure that every
individual can access the healthcare they need without financial burden by 2030.
2. Tackling Global Health Threats:
o WHO focuses on addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases, mental
health issues, and antimicrobial resistance, all of which pose growing global
health threats.
3. Climate Change and Health:
o WHO is addressing the impact of climate change on health by developing
strategies to protect vulnerable populations from the health effects of extreme
weather, food insecurity, and changing disease patterns.
4. Promoting Global Health Security:
o WHO aims to strengthen global preparedness for pandemics and other health
crises by improving disease surveillance systems, training health workers, and
ensuring rapid responses to future outbreaks.
Conclusion:

The World Health Organization plays an essential role in shaping global health policies,
responding to health emergencies, and working towards the highest attainable level of health for
all people. Through its leadership, standard-setting, and collaboration with member states and
partners, WHO continues to drive progress toward better global health outcomes.

Objective 3. Pakistan Nursing Association (PNA), Pakistan Nursing

Federation (PNF), and Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC)
The Pakistan Nursing Association (PNA), Pakistan Nursing Federation (PNF), and Pakistan
Nursing Council (PNC) are key organizations that work together to oversee, regulate, and
promote the nursing profession in Pakistan. These bodies play critical roles in ensuring that
nursing standards in the country meet international benchmarks, while advocating for the
professional growth and rights of nurses across Pakistan.

1. Pakistan Nursing Association (PNA)

The Pakistan Nursing Association (PNA) is a professional organization that represents the
interests of nurses in Pakistan. Established in 1947, the PNA works to uplift the standards of
nursing education, practice, and professionalism across the country. It is affiliated with the
International Council of Nurses (ICN), allowing it to contribute to and benefit from global
nursing developments.

Mission and Vision:

 Mission: To promote and advance the nursing profession in Pakistan through leadership,
education, advocacy, and international collaboration.
 Vision: To ensure that nurses in Pakistan provide high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based care,
while enjoying a strong professional status and work environment.

Core Functions:

1. Advocacy: The PNA advocates for the rights of nurses, addressing issues such as working
conditions, wages, benefits, and professional recognition. It lobbies the government for better
healthcare policies that support the nursing workforce.
2. Professional Development: PNA offers programs and seminars for the continuous professional
development (CPD) of nurses, helping them stay updated with the latest in nursing practices and
technologies.
3. Education and Training: The association collaborates with nursing schools and academic
institutions to raise educational standards and align nursing curricula with international best
practices.
4. Policy Involvement: PNA plays a crucial role in shaping national health and nursing policies,
ensuring that the voice of the nursing community is heard in decision-making processes.
 5. Support Services: The PNA provides support to nurses facing challenges in their professional
lives, offering mentorship programs, legal advice, and welfare services.

2. Pakistan Nursing Federation (PNF)

The Pakistan Nursing Federation (PNF) is an umbrella organization that coordinates the
activities of nursing associations and groups across Pakistan. It works at a national and
international level to represent the interests of Pakistani nurses and ensure that they are
integrated into global health initiatives.

Mission and Vision:

 Mission: To unify nursing organizations in Pakistan and strengthen their collective influence on
health policy, education, and professional practice.
 Vision: To create a cohesive, empowered nursing community in Pakistan that plays a key role in
improving national healthcare systems and policies.

Core Functions:

1. Coordination Among Associations: The PNF brings together various nursing bodies under one
platform to align their goals and strategies, fostering unity and collaboration among different
nursing associations.
2. International Representation: PNF represents Pakistan at international nursing forums and
organizations such as the ICN, facilitating knowledge exchange and participation in global health
initiatives.
3. Leadership Development: The federation offers leadership training programs to develop nursing
leaders who can effectively advocate for policy changes, influence healthcare reform, and lead
the profession in challenging environments.
4. Health Campaigns: PNF is involved in organizing national health awareness campaigns on issues
such as maternal health, vaccination, mental health, and chronic disease management,
leveraging the nursing workforce to improve public health.

3. Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC)

The Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the
nursing profession in Pakistan. Established in 1948, the PNC is an autonomous body that
functions under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination. The
council is responsible for regulating nursing education, registration, and the practice of nursing
professionals to ensure the delivery of safe and effective care.

Mission and Vision:

 Mission: To regulate nursing education and practice in Pakistan by setting standards for nursing
institutions, licensing professionals, and ensuring ethical practice.
 Vision: To ensure that Pakistan’s nursing professionals are skilled, qualified, and equipped to
provide the highest standard of healthcare in line with international standards.
Core Functions:

1. Registration and Licensing:

o PNC is responsible for registering and licensing nurses, midwives, and auxiliary
healthcare workers. It maintains an updated registry of all nursing professionals in the
country.
o Nurses must meet PNC’s education and practice requirements to obtain and renew their
licenses, ensuring continued competence in the field.

2. Accreditation of Nursing Institutions:

o The council accredits nursing schools and colleges across Pakistan, ensuring that they
meet the required educational standards and provide high-quality training.
o It conducts regular inspections and evaluations of these institutions to maintain quality
control and uphold standards.

3. Regulation of Nursing Practice:

o PNC establishes guidelines and regulations for the ethical and professional practice of
nursing. This includes scope of practice, patient care standards, and disciplinary
procedures.
o It ensures that nurses adhere to professional codes of conduct and provides a
framework for managing cases of misconduct or malpractice.

4. Curriculum Development:
o PNC collaborates with academic institutions to develop and update nursing curricula
that align with global best practices and the evolving needs of the healthcare system.
o It emphasizes the integration of evidence-based practice, clinical skills, and ethical
principles into nursing education.

5. Examinations:
o The PNC administers national licensure examinations for nurses and midwives, ensuring
that only qualified candidates are allowed to practice.
o The council also oversees competency-based assessments for specialized nursing fields.

6. Public Health and Policy Advocacy:

o PNC actively contributes to national health policy by advising the government on issues
related to the nursing workforce, healthcare reform, and public health initiatives.
o It advocates for policies that improve nurse-to-patient ratios, provide better working
conditions for nurses, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare in Pakistan.