Australia is partnering with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development (WHO CCNM (UTS)) at the University of Technology Sydney, working with the South Pacific Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers Alliance (SPCNMOA) to improve nursing and midwifery leadership, education, standards, and practice, through the Strengthening Health Workforce in the Pacific (SHWP) initiative.
Given that nurses and midwives make up more than 70% of the healthcare workforce in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and provide the majority of services, particularly in remote and rural areas, investing in their training and development is crucial. SHWP builds upon existing regional partnerships to create a sustainable and resilient health workforce. It is enhancing leadership and governance skills, strengthening regional workforce regulation, and developing an education framework including consistent competencies for practice and standards for accreditation across the region.
SHWP is strategically implementing its cross-cutting priorities, including gender equity, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate change and locally led development. The initiative ensures that PICs are better equipped to meet the healthcare challenges of the 21st century, supporting universal health coverage and health security in the region.
