Global Health Partnerships: Nurses and Midwives making a difference

Midwives and nurses interested in making a positive difference in the developing world recently attended a one-day conference on partnerships between health institutions in the developing world and the UK.

The joint event, held in June 2012 and hosted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), highlighted the value of the nursing and midwifery contribution to health partnerships with developing countries.

Delegates had chance to hear what works in building the skills of counterparts through institutional partnerships.

“We want to see more UK midwives and nurses in health partnerships,” says Louise Silverton from the RCM. “They have such a vital role in improving healthcare for some of the world’s poorest people.”

Nurses and midwives take part in all sorts of health partnerships, sometimes leading and sometimes supporting work that brings change to all partners. Getting involved in and sustaining health partnerships is challenging and rewarding.

Speakers at the event included nurses and midwives who have already developed sustainable partnerships. Many started off as individuals and progressed to involving their organisation in a substantive arrangement. The day provided an inspiring introduction for participants to networks, information and guidance about getting involved in global health partnerships.