International Council of Nurses
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 140 national nurses associations (NNAs), representing the more than 30 million nurses worldwide. Founded in 1899, ICN is the world’s first and widest reaching international organisation for health professionals. Operated by nurses and leading nurses internationally, ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound health policies globally, the advancement of nursing knowledge, and the presence worldwide of a respected nursing profession and a competent and satisfied nursing workforce.
News
World Humanitarian Day: ICN deplores record number of attacks against humanitarian workers
On World Humanitarian Day, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has expressed its horror for the continuing rise in fatalities of health care workers.
19 August 2025
World Humanitarian Day: Health professionals on the brink as conflicts intensify
On World Humanitarian Day, WHPA, which represents 42 million health professionals, together with humanitarian organizations is sounding the alarm: life-saving health services—already underfunded and overstretched—are facing unprecedented pressure as conflicts intensify, targeted attacks on health facilities multiply, and funding is cut.
19 August 2025
Madagascar joins ICN as 141st National Nursing Association member
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is proud to announce that the Conseil de l'Ordre National des Infirmiers de Madagascar (CONIM) has officially joined ICN’s federation, bringing the total membership to over 140 national nursing associations (NNA) worldwide. This marks an important step forward for the global nursing community.
14 August 2025
ICN joins 48 million health professionals calling for inclusion of health care in global plastics treaty
As negotiations to finalize a major global treaty to end plastic pollution begin this week, the International Council of Nurses has joined with Health Care Without Harm and major health groups to demand strong commitments to limit plastic use and protect all people from plastic-related health harms, with special considerations rather than exemptions for the health sector, in an open letter.
7 August 2025
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World Humanitarian Day: ICN deplores record number of attacks against humanitarian workers
On World Humanitarian Day, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has expressed its horror for the continuing rise in fatalities of health care workers.
19 August 2025
-
World Humanitarian Day: Health professionals on the brink as conflicts intensify
On World Humanitarian Day, WHPA, which represents 42 million health professionals, together with humanitarian organizations is sounding the alarm: life-saving health services—already underfunded and overstretched—are facing unprecedented pressure as conflicts intensify, targeted attacks on health facilities multiply, and funding is cut.
19 August 2025
-
Madagascar joins ICN as 141st National Nursing Association member
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is proud to announce that the Conseil de l'Ordre National des Infirmiers de Madagascar (CONIM) has officially joined ICN’s federation, bringing the total membership to over 140 national nursing associations (NNA) worldwide. This marks an important step forward for the global nursing community.
14 August 2025
-
ICN joins 48 million health professionals calling for inclusion of health care in global plastics treaty
As negotiations to finalize a major global treaty to end plastic pollution begin this week, the International Council of Nurses has joined with Health Care Without Harm and major health groups to demand strong commitments to limit plastic use and protect all people from plastic-related health harms, with special considerations rather than exemptions for the health sector, in an open letter.
7 August 2025