WHO's contributions to nursing: reflections from the field

Since 1948 WHO has initiated nursing programmes in countries worldwide, the strategy used naturally varying according to the needs of the region or country. Since that time nurses of every nationality have worked with WHO on these programmes in various capacities-as a member of staff, special advisor, consultant and/or programme participant. Many of these nurses-particularly those with long-standing association with WHO-have seen firsthand the difference its work has made in their regions or countries. Their opinions are valuable because they can judge the shortcomings and offer the needed advice as to the direction of future strategies. Below, INR gives the opinions of several of these nurse leaders, who kindly responded to its questions.