ICN congratulates new WHO Regional Director for Europe and looks forward to the appointment of a Chief Nursing Officer for the region

ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton has congratulated Hans Kluge on his appointment as World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe.

In the run up to the election for the post, ICN and the European Forum of National Nurses and Midwives Association (EFNNMA) contacted Dr Kluge and the other candidates about the importance creating a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) post for the region.

Dr Kluge, who was previously WHO Europe’s Lead on Health Systems and Public Health, responded at the time by making a commitment to establishing a programme on nursing and midwifery, and creating a post of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer.

After Dr Kluge’s appointment at a WHO meeting in Copenhagen on September 17, Mr Catton said:

‘I congratulate Dr Kluge on his appointment and look forward to working with him to fulfil his promise to appoint a Chief Nursing Officer for WHO Europe. Having worked with him in his previous role I have no doubt about his personal commitment to nursing and midwifery.

‘Having a regional director who wholeheartedly supports nurses and nursing is an essential first step towards meeting the healthcare challenges that Europe faces.’

ICN believes that nurses are uniquely placed to help resolve these issues, which include achieving Universal Health Coverage, providing for an ageing population, dealing with the rise in non-communicable diseases and the growing shortage of nursing staff.

‘Having a CNO who can provide the necessary strategic leadership will make a significant difference to how healthcare needs in Europe are addressed in the coming years,’ Mr Catton said.

Dr Hans Kluge, the new Regional Director for WHO Europe, with ICN CEO Howard Catton (far right), EFNNMA Chair Valentina Sarkisova and Vice Chair Mervi Jokinen (right to left)

Cover photo credit: IPTC/JAN