One forum, one voice for nursing and midwifery in Europe
EFNNMA brings together national nursing and midwifery associations from across the WHO European Region to speak with a shared voice on health policy, workforce, and the quality of care people receive.
Give nursing and midwifery a seat at every policy table
We connect national associations, share evidence and experience across borders, and represent nurses and midwives in dialogue with the WHO Regional Office for Europe and national governments.
Health systems built around safe, respectful care
We work toward a Europe where nursing and midwifery expertise shapes health policy at every level, and where every person receives safe, respectful, and accessible care.
A collective voice built by nursing and midwifery associations, for their members
EFNNMA was founded in 1996 as a joint initiative between national nursing and midwifery associations and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, set up to exchange policy and information between the professions and the Region's public health work.
The Forum was re-established in 2013 after WHO Europe restructured its internal professional forums, and it has continued that role since — carrying position statements to the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, supporting national reform efforts, and organising European Nursing & Midwifery Week each May alongside International Day of the Midwife.
In September 2025, EFNNMA formally registered as an independent legal entity based in Brussels, bringing its member associations together under a permanent home while keeping the same founding purpose: strengthening nursing and midwifery so that health systems, and the people they serve, benefit.
Read our operational principles →
HQ Brussels, Belgium
Our Dedicated Team
We work tirelessly to support and empower nursing and midwifery associations across Europe.
John Smith
Program CoordinatorJohn works tirelessly to ensure our initiatives are impactful, structured, and accessible to all members.
Jane Doe
Outreach SpecialistJane connects member communities with vital health resources, advocacy channels, and ongoing support.
Alex Brown
Financial AdvisorAlex manages operational budgets, ensuring financial transparency and sustainability for all initiatives.
Emily Clark
Volunteer CoordinatorEmily empowers international contributors, fostering a connected community of care and cooperation.
Robert Lewis
Event ManagerRobert organizes our major forums and conferences, creating opportunities for international collaboration.
Sophia Taylor
Communications LeadSophia crafts our advocacy messages, ensuring effective communication with public health partners.
Liam Johnson
Data AnalystLiam analyzes healthcare workforce data to inform strategic policy recommendations across the Region.
Olivia Green
Outcomes ManagerOlivia evaluates member projects, focusing on continuous improvement and measurable outcomes.
Milestones since 1996
Forum founded
National nursing and midwifery associations and the WHO Regional Office for Europe launch the Forum to exchange policy and practice.
Forum re-established
The Forum continues its work independently after WHO Europe restructures its internal professional forums.
Position statement to the WHO Regional Committee
EFNNMA presents a statement on building a sustainable health workforce at the 67th session in Budapest.
First European Nursing & Midwifery Week
The Forum launches an annual week of Region-wide recognition, aligned with International Day of the Midwife.
Registered in Brussels
EFNNMA formally registers as an independent legal entity, giving its 23 member associations a permanent home.
Join the Forum
National nursing and midwifery associations across the WHO European Region are welcome to take part in EFNNMA.