Technical brief on strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce to improve health outcomes: Government Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers (GCNMOs) in the WHO European Region

Overview

Recognizing the critical contribution of the nursing and midwifery professions to health systems, population health and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage, and in response to World Health Assembly resolution WHA 74.15, this technical brief aims to: support governments to strengthen government chief nursing and midwifery officers (‎GCNMOs)‎ in their countries; identify the current roles and responsibilities of GCNMOs and senior nursing and midwifery leaders in the WHO European Region; and explore the enablers to support GCNMOs and/or senior nursing and midwifery leaders to work more effectively to support improved health outcomes. The ultimate goal is to increase the impact of GCNMOs and senior nursing and midwifery leaders on health, social care and health workforce policy to improve health outcomes.