WHO/PAHO Collaborating Centre For International Nursing Development In Primary Health Care

Overview

In August 1986, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago as a WHO Collaborating Centre for International Nursing Development in Primary Health Care (PHC). A Collaborating Centre is "an institution designated by the WHO Director-General to form part of an international collaborative network carrying out activities in support of the organization's program at all levels."

Building upon a growing commitment to international nursing development and the expansion of its program of international activities, the College’s designation as a WHO Collaborating Centre signifies its commitment to contribute to WHO programs to develop nursing and promote health for all through primary health care. In keeping with the University's mission, the College has pledged its leadership in the creation of a network of nursing educational institutions oriented to primary health care and its support of nursing leadership capabilities in other countries to effect the changes required in nursing practice, research, education, and service. The College's designation as a WHO Collaborating Centre was renewed in 1992, 1996, 2003 and 2007.

The WHO/PAHO Collaborating Centre for International Nursing Development in Primary Health Care is one of over 40 Centres worldwide that make up the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Development. Each Collaborating Centre has a set of Terms of Reference (TOR) and a plan of work that has been agreed with WHO to contribute to its program and goals. The UIC College of Nursing designation as a WHO/PAHO Collaborating Centre for International Nursing Development in Primary Health Care includes collaboration in activities related to development of nursing education, practice, research, and leadership to strengthen human resources for health and promote innovative primary health care practices.

In 1993, the 11 designated WHO Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Development in the Region of the Americas established an association, the Pan American Network of Nursing and Midwifery WHO Collaborating Centres (PANMCC), that meets annually to strengthen nursing goals and activities specific to the Region of the Americas and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) program. For more information about this regional association, visit the Pan American Network of Nursing/Midwifery WHO Collaborating Centres page of this website.

The designation of the College of Nursing as a WHO Collaborating Centre indicates the College's "scientific and technical standing" at national and international levels, and the high "quality of its scientific and technical leadership" in nursing, two criteria which the World Health Organization (WHO) uses in the selection of institutions as Collaborating Centres.