Professional Associations

HIV/AIDS mainstreaming has traditionally been equated with adjusting programs to be more relevant to beneficiaries affected by HIV/AIDS. Bitter experience is demonstrating, however, that civil society organizations (CSOs) are not immune to the impacts of AIDS within their own organizations. Few local CSOs are responding adequately to this threat, partly because they simply do not know the extent of these costs. This paper suggests how CSOs in sub-Saharan Africa can build organizational resilience in order to survive the loss of valuable staff, time and money that HIV/AIDS will cause. It also concludes with practical recommendations for their donors in how they can move beyond being concerned bystanders. [publisher’s description]

This presentation was part of the International Conference on Global Health session, “Expanding Emergency Obstetric Care: Overcoming Challenges in Training and Service Delivery.” It discusses the first planned effort by the the largest association of ob/gyns and its academic wing to help build human resource capacity in India to develop EmOC in rural areas. It also presents the specifics of the training EmOC certification course they have developed to address the issue.

The content of these guidelines focuses on nurse entrepreneurs providing nursing services. These guidelines aim to: provide background knowledge on the development of nurse entrepreneurs providing nursing service; establish the link between nurse entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs; identify the roles, services, basic profile and requirements of nurse entrepreneurs; and define the potential role of national nurses’ associations in the development and regulation of nurse entrepreneurs providing nursing service. [adpated from author’s description)

Human resources become increasingly relevant in this context. Health human resource (HHR) is currently experiencing a three-fold problem, which encompasses old issues, together with the effects of reform, and the consequences of globalisation. This includes the workforce crisis in nursing which, facing all kinds of difficulties, requires complex in-depth analysis, synergies and alliances in order to ensure quality nursing services. This paper was drafted by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) as the basis for the examination of this important aspect of health care in the region of Latin America, and as a contribution to the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

The Lesotho apparel industry is the country’s largest private sector employer. By providing employment for poor and relatively unskilled workers, most of whom are women, this industry is combating two of the key long-term drivers of the HIV/AIDS epidemic: poverty and gender inequity. However, it is precisely this sector of the community, young women, who have the highest prevalence of HIV infection. Studies within the apparel sector show that around one third of employees are HIV-positive. Apart from the huge toll in human suffering associated with this high infection level, the epidemic also lowers productivity and increases costs to the employer. The Lesotho government is committed to providing a comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS, including the provision of antiretroviral treatment (ART) but, because of a lack of financial and human resources, only about 8 000 Basotho are receiving treatment at present. It is estimated that about 60 000 Basotho require ART. For all these reasons, a range of stakeholders wished to determine the feasibility of a private sector led long-term intervention (LTI) to reduce the HIV-infection rate among apparel workers and to provide care and support for those already infected. Towards this end consulting company HLSP was contracted to conduct this feasibility study and this report and specific recommendations are the outcome of the project. [author’s description]

This paper aims to provide an overview of the current evidence and opinion of the workforce implications of regulation, competency development and role definition. These three elements are inextricably linked to each other and are fundamental to the practice of nursing in today’s environment. [from introduction]

As part of the East, Central and Southern African College of Nursing’s 7th Scientific Conference, this presentation discusses the rationale for leadership in nursing, nursing and health related Millenium Development Goals, and the various ways that professional associations can help to develop leadership for nurses and for the profession as a whole.

The death of hundreds of thousands of women due to pregnancy-related complications casts a shadow over the modern obstetrical world. This paper examines the potential roles and responsibilities of professional obstetrical and midwifery associations in addressing this tolerated tragedy of maternal deaths. We examine the successes and challenges of obstetrical and midwifery associations and encourage the growth and development of active associations to address maternal mortality within their own borders. Professional associations can play a vital role in the reduction of maternal mortality worldwide.

This presentation discusses the AMRN role of strengthening nurses and midwives in their responses to HIV/AIDS by improving their knowledge and skills in evidence based practice, research, counseling, advocacy and education. Included is information about the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS problem and some strategies that AMRN has used to address the problem through nurses and midwives. [adapted from author]

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This technical brief discusses various approaches for strengthening professional associations and outlines the benefits and challenges of such efforts. [author’s description]