Dr. Jean Yan, the Chief Scientist Nursing and Midwifery, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland and Coordinator, of the Health Professions Networks officially launched the UWI School of Nursing (UWISON), Mona, as the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development in the Caribbean on Friday May 29. The launch was one of the major activities which took place during The UWI School of Nursing, Mona, Annual Nursing Midwifery Research Conference and Mary Seivwright Day held from May 28-29, at the School’s Lecture Theatre on the Mona Campus. Although the official launch was held on Friday May 29 the designation took effect on November 22, 2006.  

A WHO collaborating Centre is an institution designated by the Director-General of WHO to form part of an international collaborative network carrying out activities in support of the Organization’s progammes at all levels.  A WHO Collaborating centre must also participate in the strengthening of country resources, in terms of information, services, research and training, in support of national health development.

In her remarks, Dr. Hermi Hewitt, Head, UWISON said that the Terms of Reference of the Centre included: Building capacity in the CARICOM region through nursing and midwifery educational programmes, consultation, administration and practice in order to make contributions in areas vital to their country’s essential health care needs. She said that the Centre would also facilitate the growth of nursing and midwifery research in the CARICOM region and that it would collate and disseminate information related to advancements in nursing and midwifery, clinical practice, nursing education, administration and research.

Dr Silvina Malvarez, Regional Human Resources Development in Nursing and Allied Health Professionals – PAHO/WHO, Washington DC and WHO representative for the Regional Office of the Americas outlined the relationship between PAHO/WHO and the UWI School of Nursing. She said that PAHO/WHO has been closely associated with the  School  since its inception as the Advanced Nursing Education Unit in 1966.  Therefore, PAHO/WHO has been the single most continuous institution providing scholarship, resources and technical assistance in advancing nursing and midwifery education in the School and in this regard, they have provided a positive impact on nursing and midwifery in the Caribbean.  This new partnership is a furtherance of the excellent relationship and great contribution of PAHO/WHO to the advancement of Nursing and Midwifery development in the region.

Also bringing greetings were Dr. Ernest Pate, PAHO/WHO representative, Mrs. Edith Allwood Anderson, President, Nurses Association of Jamaica, Dr. Leila McWhinney-Dehaney, Chief Nursing Officer, Ministry of Health  and Mrs. Carmen Walker-Sutherland, President, Jamaica Midwifes Association.

The Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development is the second PAHO/WHO Centre to be established on the  Mona Campus.