Message from the Chairperson

Founded in 1990, the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCCs) for Nursing and Midwifery Development is an independent, international, non-for-profit, voluntary organization, comprising 42 institutions of excellence, from the six regions of WHO, who serve as WHO Collaborating Centres. The Network strives to enhance the collaborative activities of Nursing and Midwifery Collaborating Centres, supporting WHO’s efforts towards Health for All. I am proud of the Network because only nursing discipline has the worldwide network which provide us the opportunities to discuss health among nurses.

Mission of the Network is to maximize the contribution of nursing and midwifery in order to advance states, member Centres, NGOs, and others interested in promoting the health of populations. The Network will carry out advocacy and evidence based policy activities within the framework of WHA and regional resolutions and the WHO Programs of Work.

It is my great pleasure and honor that I have been appointed to chair the Ninth International Conference of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Development. Through the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11th, 2011, we experienced that we could not provide even for basic health care under crisis situation. The theme of The 9th International Conference is “Even with basic health care, prepare for the unexpected.” In life threatening events including flood, earthquake, tsunami, new influenza pandemics, even for basic health care we need to prepare and be aware of the unexpected. This is the challenge from/to nursing society.

The Research Conference will be held in June 30th and July 1st, 2012, when the season in Japan changes to summer. Hyogo Prefecture, where the venue will be, features the exceptional scenic beauty of the mountains and the sea. In addition, Hyogo is home to many hot spring resorts. It is my sincere hope that many nursing professionals will gather here from around the world to discuss and learn matters of our common interest, and to enjoy these and other attractions of Hyogo Prefecture and Japan. I would like to conclude by inviting many nursing practitioners, educators, administrators, and researchers to Hyogo from around the world.

Aiko Yamamoto, RN, PhD
Chairperson of the 9th International Conference of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Nurisng and Midwifery,
Executive Director of Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, as WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing in Disasters & Health Emergency Management, University of Hyogo, Japan