Our mission
EFNNMA exists to connect the people who set health policy with the nurses and midwives who deliver care every day, across the WHO European Region.
A shared declaration, a shared purpose
Recognising the value of dialogue and joint action to improve health and health care in Europe, 26 national nursing and midwifery associations and WHO/Europe signed a declaration of intent in November 1996 to form the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA).
EFNNMA serves as a link between international and national policy-makers and the nurses and midwives of the WHO European Region — who make up the largest group of health care workers in almost every country in the Region.
Five commitments guide our work
Contribute to and influence the debate on improving health and the quality of health care in Europe.
Strengthen and promote the exchange of information, ideas, and policies between national nursing and midwifery associations and WHO.
Support the integration of policies aligned with the Health for All philosophy into nursing and midwifery practice, and into basic, postgraduate, and continuing education.
Formulate consensus and policy statements and recommendations that national governments can use to develop their own health policy strategies.
Initiate projects that bring evidence-based practice into nursing and midwifery, and undertake pilot projects when funding allows.
Governed by principles set at our founding
Operational principles
EFNNMA's work is based on the operational principles adopted after its founding in 1996. A Steering Committee is elected at the annual meetings and meets four times a year to carry the work forward.
Renewed at Vilnius, 2013
The 17th Annual Meeting of EFNNMA and WHO took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, 8–9 October 2013, alongside the WHO meeting of Government Chief Nursing Officers in the Region. One outcome was a renewed set of Operational Principles, supporting EFNNMA's autonomous functioning in its business, administrative, and financial affairs, in close collaboration with WHO on nursing and midwifery matters across Europe.
Advocating for nurses and midwives across 53 Member States
EFNNMA is the voice of nursing and midwifery within the WHO European Region. Working in partnership and strategically with WHO and other key stakeholders, we aim to influence health policy, improve the quality of health services, and improve the health of people across the Region. We are passionate advocates for the central and unique contribution nurses and midwives make to individual and population health and well-being, and we are committed to ensuring both professions are supported to deliver excellence in practice. As the nature of care changes, we believe that strengthening and developing the nursing and midwifery workforce — through lifelong learning and research — delivers excellence in public health and people-centred care.
Want to see our full governance framework?
Get in touch with the Secretariat for a copy of the Operational Principles and details on how member associations take part in shaping our work.