World Health Organization
As one of the first seven non-governmental organisations to be accepted into official relations with the World Health Organization in 1948, ICN has worked collaboratively on many projects of mutual interest over the years.
As a non-State actor, every year ICN actively participates in the WHO Executive Board meetings and the World Health Assembly to represent the voice of nurses and nursing to advance global health and promote public health.
Collaborative work with WHO on the nursing profession and health includes:
- Global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery 2021-2025
- Advanced nursing practice
- Patient safety
- Non-communicable diseases and mental health
- Primary health care
- Infection prevention and control
- Climate change and health
In this section
ICN responses to WHO
News
WHPA urges WHO to maintain strong leadership on health workforce
In an urgent letter to WHO leader, WHPA is sounding the alarm at WHO restructuring which risks sidelining health workforce priorities
16 July 2025
ICN applauds completion of negotiations on global pandemic treaty and expresses hope it will offer tangible safeguards for nurses and populations
ICN has welcomed the news that WHO member states have finalized a draft of the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Accord, which will act as an important framework for better managing future pandemics.
17 April 2025
ICN welcomes WHO and WEF focus on nursing but warns of effect of US withdrawal from WHO on nurse-led services
Nursing was high on the agenda at this year’s World Health Organization Executive Board sessions in Geneva, with key discussions on extending the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery as well as WHO’s “Workforce 2030” plan on human resources for health.
14 February 2025
ICN delivers strong UHC message in “Care Anywhere” interview and WHO meetings
In a recent CGFNS International “Care Anywhere” podcast interview, ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano delivered a powerful message: universal health coverage cannot succeed without bold and sustained investment in nurses.
7 February 2025
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WHO
WHPA urges WHO to maintain strong leadership on health workforce
In an urgent letter to WHO leader, WHPA is sounding the alarm at WHO restructuring which risks sidelining health workforce priorities
16 July 2025
-
WHO
ICN applauds completion of negotiations on global pandemic treaty and expresses hope it will offer tangible safeguards for nurses and populations
ICN has welcomed the news that WHO member states have finalized a draft of the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Accord, which will act as an important framework for better managing future pandemics.
17 April 2025
-
WHO
ICN welcomes WHO and WEF focus on nursing but warns of effect of US withdrawal from WHO on nurse-led services
Nursing was high on the agenda at this year’s World Health Organization Executive Board sessions in Geneva, with key discussions on extending the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery as well as WHO’s “Workforce 2030” plan on human resources for health.
14 February 2025
-
WHO
ICN delivers strong UHC message in “Care Anywhere” interview and WHO meetings
In a recent CGFNS International “Care Anywhere” podcast interview, ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano delivered a powerful message: universal health coverage cannot succeed without bold and sustained investment in nurses.
7 February 2025