WHPA Press Release 2000 [Physicians, Nurses and Pharmacists Announce a New Global Alliance for Improved Health]

GENEVA, Switzerland, 16 May, 2000 ---- The international organisations representing the world's pharmacists, nurses and physicians, today unveiled a unique and powerful alliance at the 53rd World Health Assembly in Geneva. The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) will benefit health, citizens and health policy makers world-wide, by pooling the resources and strengthening collaboration among these core members of the health care team.

"In creating the World Health Professions Alliance we are tackling key issues such as health resources planning, human rights, tobacco addiction and the integrity of health professionals, to name just a few," stated Judith Oulton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

"Delivering better health care to people demands that health professionals with diverse training and skills pool resources and expertise," explained Dr Delon Human, Chief Executive of the World Medical Association (WMA). "As the essential players in the health team, effective collaboration among health professionals is key to delivering cost effective and quality health care."

"The Alliance will seek more regular and effective communication and interaction with the World Health Organization (WHO) at the international, regional and country levels", said Ton Hoek, General Secretary of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, "and we will encourage our member associations to collaborate in the same spirit. Pharmacists, nurses and physicians support WHO's mission and strategic direction and we are cognisant of our responsibility and key role in helping WHO move the health agenda forward."

Effective joint action has already been undertaken by ICN, WMA and FIP. The three founding organisations were joined by the International Dental Federation (FDI) and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) in an anti-tobacco initiative. They also teamed up to make a proposal to the 53rd Commission on Human Rights, requesting that a special UN Rapporteur to monitor and ensure the independence and safety of health professionals in providing health care to all people.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 120 national nurses' associations representing the millions of nurses world-wide. Operated by nurses for nurses since 1899, ICN is the international voice of nursing and works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally.
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is a world-wide federation of national pharmaceutical (scientific) associations and has as its mission to represent and serve pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences around the globe.
The World Medical Association (WMA) is a global federation of national medical associations, representing the millions of physicians world-wide. Acting on behalf of physicians and patients, the WMA endeavours to achieve the highest possible standards of medical science, education, ethics and health care for all people.

For further information contact Linda Carrier-Walker Tel : +41 22 908 0100;
fax : +41 22 908 0101; email: carrwalk@icn.ch; Web site www.icn.ch

ICN/PR/00#12