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Nursing
Networks ICN HIV/AIDS
Network
Network history
HIV/AIDS is a top priority for the International Council of Nurses and ICN has been instrumental in promoting prevention, care, treatment and sound policy to fight the epidemic. We continue to look into new ways of disseminating information to nurses around the world and to supporting linkages between different groups with a view to exchange of experiences and expertise. Given the constant need for information exchange the decision to form an HIV/AIDS Network was timely.
The ICN HIV/AIDS Network was launched at the 23rd ICN Quadrennial Congress in Taiwan, May 2005. Over 100 delegates attended the launch, most of which signed up to the network. The launch was presided over by an ICN Board member and known HIV/AIDS nurse researcher, Dr. Bill Holzemer, Professor, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
The speakers at the launch were:
- Steve Jamieson – Royal College of Nursing, UK
- Tesfamicael Ghebrehiwet – ICN Representative
- Patrick Robinson – President, American Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC), USA
- Brenda Done – President, Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (CANAC), Canada
- Dotty Dikwayo – Co-ordinator, SADAC Network of Nurses and Midwives in AIDS Care (SANNAM), South Africa
- Ian Hodgson – Programme Adviser, Health and Development Networks, Thailand
- June Webber – Director, International Policy and Development, Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Canada
Nursing has formed both national and regional HIV/AIDS nursing associations. It is hoped such organisations will maintain strong linkages through the ICN HIV/AIDS Network. Such groups include the Association of American Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC), The Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (CANAC), and the Southern African Development Community AIDS Network of Nurses and Midwives (SANNAM).
Another group, the European Association of Nurses in HIV/AIDS Care (EANAC) was set up in 1990 to provide a forum for HIV/AIDS nurses within the region. It was dissolved in 2004, as HIV/AIDS care has changed in many parts of Europe over the time of EANAC’s work. As part of closing EANAC, the remaining funds passed to ICN to support the ICN HIV/AIDS Network.
Aims and objectives
The key objective of the ICN HIV/AIDS Network is to be a global resource for nurses working in, or interested in, HIV policy, practice development, education and research. By promoting networking and linkages, the network will enable knowledge and expertise to be shared, while reflecting the changing nature of HIV client-care across the globe.
The ICN HIV/AIDS Network will have a Network Coordinator, who liaises closely with ICN and be responsible for the day-to-day management and smooth running of the Network. The terms of reference of the Network Coordinator will be to:
- Develop Network Bulletin that is issued twice a year
- Maintain web site
- Monitor chat room
- Plan and organise forums of the Network during ICN conference and congress
- Disseminate information on products and services of relevance to the Network
- Respond to queries from members and others
- Solicit input into the work and activities of the Network
- Consult on issues and trends including ICN policy
Network Advisory Group
The ICN HIV/AIDS Network will be supported by an Advisory Group bringing together geographical balance and expertise. Members of the Advisory Group must be members of their national nurses association. The Advisory Group will work closely with the Coordinator of the Network. Functions of the Advisory Group include:
- contribute to the Bulletin of the Network on trends and issues related to HIV/ADS
- generate membership for the Network in their area and other areas as possible
- contribute to the agenda of forum meetings
- assume delegated functions
- monitor chat room and stimulate/moderate discussions
- serve as ambassador of the Network
The term of office for the Advisory Group will be for an initial three years and renewable based on contribution and interest in the ICN Network.
The Advisory Group will maintain close collaboration with the Coordinator of the Network.
Meeting of the ICN HIV/AIDS Network at the ICN Congress, Durban, South Africa, 27 June to 4 July 2009
The ICN HIV/AIDS Network met during the ICN 24th Quadrennial Congress in Durban, South Africa, 27 June to 4 July 2009. This is the third meeting of the Network since its launch in 2005. About 300 participants with diverse HIV and AIDS expertise and interests attended the meeting. The session was chaired by Adele Webb, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, USA:
Following an overview of the ICN HIV/AIDS Network’s aim, scope and membership by ICN, there were brief presentations and discussions on the following areas:
- HIV transmission and prevention strategies in Mauritius: Carmen Anazor, AIDS Unit, Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, Mauritius.
- Regional networking activities and experiences of SANNAM: Philemon Ngomu, SANNAM, South Africa.
- UK National HIV Nurses Association activities and experiences: Catrin Evans, University of Nottingham, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, Nottingham, U.K.
- Coordinating workplace HIV services in Southern Africa: Nelouise Geyer, Public Services International, South Africa
- ICAP Nurse Capacity Initiative: A New Approach to Meeting Nursing Challenges in the Era of HIV: Jennifer Dohrn, Columbia University, School of Nursing, USA
The presentations were followed by open discussions on the presentations and also addressed the following questions:
- How can the ICN HIV/AIDS Network add value to the work of nurses in AIDS care?
- What are the HIV/AIDS issues and priorities in your country and what should ICN be advocating at the international level?
- How could we stimulate involvement of Network members (e.g. Network Bulletin, website chat page)?
The participants stressed the importance of networking and exchanging of information and best practices to promote excellence in clinical practice, management, education and research related to HIV and AIDS. The ICN HIV/AIDS Network was seen as a sustainable forum for regular exchange of current knowledge, experiences and best practices.
Nurses at the Forefront of HIV/AIDS
Report : International Nurses' Forum
August 2006 Toronto, Canada
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