Global Health
Leadership Initiatives

WHO Collaborating Center: UIC Designation

UIC WHO Collaborating Center 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. This designation was in recognition of the College's commitment to international nursing development and the expansion of its program of international activities.

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 was renewed in 1992, 1996, and 2003.

There are WHO Collaborating Centers throughout the globe. In 1993, the 11 designated WHO Collaborating Centers in the Americas Region of WHO established a regional association that meets annually to strengthen nursing goals and activities specific to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) agenda. For more information about this regional association, visit the PAHO Network of Nursing/Midwifery Collaborating Centers page of this website.

The designation of the College of Nursing as a WHO Collaborating Center 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 centers.

A collaborating center 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."

As a WHO collaborating center, the College forms part of a global network of over 30 designated nursing collaborating centers. Each collaborating center has a plan or Terms of Reference (TOR) with WHO that is consistent with WHO's program goals. The UIC College of Nursing designation as a "Collaborating Center for International Nursing Development in Primary Health Care" includes development of nursing education, practice, research, and leadership.

UIC PAHO WHO Center Terms of Reference (TOR)

TOR 1:

To assist WHO/PAHO in the dissemination and sharing of information and research findings relevant to health, nursing and nursing groups, particularly as related to the achievement of the Health for All (HFA) goal through primary health care for individuals, families and communities.

1.1 Dissemination of the Models of Care in the Americas document and development of a clearinghouse of information about experiences and research in primary health care in different parts of the world.

1.2 Participate in ongoing review of primary health care in the Region of the Americas, coordinating a nursing and midwifery response and serve as a resource in facilitating nursing participation in Regional and Global reviews and Initiatives.

1.3 Disseminate Curriculum for International Research Ethics providing a resource that emphasizes research ethics, professional ethics, cultural factors in research, and community participation in research.

TOR 2:

To participate with WHO/PAHO in decision-making processes that advance PHC systems and services development in areas of women’s and children’s health and development, safe motherhood, adolescent health, TB, STD’s, and HIV/AIDS.

2.1 Active member of the Collaborative Partnership for developing nursing and midwifery services for Reproductive health.

• Prepare concept paper and assist in resource mobilization for project(s) on skilled attendants at birth 2003.
  
• Provide technical support as requested in Caribbean countries in improving skilled attendance as birth.

2.2 Enhance capacity of nursing response to HIV/AIDS.

• Disseminate training materials for teaching family members to provide home care for persons with HIV/AIDS.
  
• Provide research training programs for visiting scholars seeking enhancement of skills in research; and care of individuals and family members with HIV/AIDS.

2.3 Continue collaboration with selected WHO Collaborating Centers to integrate Adolescent health content into basic nursing education program.

• Prepare a publication describing the process of monitoring curriculum change and share resulting course syllabi.

• Develop mechanism for offering adolescent health content via distance learning mode.