The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) announced the creation of the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing (GAPFON). The inaugural meeting of GAPFON — a panel of international nurse leaders — convened to establish a global voice and vision for the future of nursing that will advance global health. The panel was chaired by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Dean Emerita and Professor Dr Martha N Hill.
“GAPFON will be a catalyst to stimulate partnerships and collaborations to advance global health outcomes. I am excited and honored to chair this initiative and look forward to working with nurses, other health professionals, and key stakeholders who are committed to improving global health domestically and internationally,” said Dr Hill.
The initial GAPFON meeting — a three-day high-level gathering that facilitated discussion to identify and discuss strategies to positively influence global health — took place in Basel, Switzerland, March 27-29, 2014. Key issues identified include the need for reform, advocacy, and innovations in leadership, policy, practice, education, and work environments.
“It is imperative that global nurse leaders work together to develop a unified voice and vision for the future of nursing worldwide,” said Dr Hester C Klopper, STTI President. “The Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing will be a vehicle for thought leaders to share information, develop and influence policy, and advance this profession to influence global health.”
GAPFON will hold a series of regional meetings of leaders from key stakeholder groups, including representatives from multiple sectors around the globe, to obtain knowledge and social, economic, cultural, and political insight related to issues determined at this inaugural meeting. Data from these meetings will provide the basis for an action plan including policy implications.
Panel member Dr John Daly said, “The advisory panel and its agenda provide an unprecedented opportunity for global nursing leadership to make major strides in contributing to advances in global health.”
Advisor to Princess Muna El Hussein — the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Patron for Nursing Midwifery — and Senator, the Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Rowaida Al-Ma’aitah states, “I believe the time is right for a sharper vision and collective voice for nurses and midwives all over the world to influence the global health agenda. GAPFON is a powerful vehicle for paving the future of nurses’ influence in achieving global health outcomes.”
EH News Bureau