New Grant to the World Health Organisation to Strengthen Nursing Policy Leadership Worldwide

The funding will enable WHO and the Nursing Now Challenge (NNC) network to engage early career nurses and midwives in national and regional policy dialogue, to ensure that the voices of the new generation of nursing and midwifery leaders are represented in decision-making.

The project builds on the Trust’s longstanding partnership with WHO and follows the publication of the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, which provides the most comprehensive assessment of the global nursing workforce and progress against the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery.

Through the grant, WHO will support countries to use nursing workforce data to inform policy discussions, identify priorities for investment, and develop or update national nursing and midwifery strategies. A key element of the programme will be the active involvement of Nursing Now Challenge members in policy dialogues and strategic planning processes, supported by preparatory briefings and learning opportunities designed to strengthen their understanding of policymaking and advocacy.

“Every time I meet Nursing Now Challenge members, I’m struck by how clearly they see what needs to change. This programme gives them a route to act on it, putting them in the room where national strategies are shaped and supporting them to contribute with authenticity and confidence. When countries plan their workforce with that generation at the table, the strategies they produce will be stronger and more likely to last.”

Professor Gemma Stacey, Programme Director, Nursing Now Challenge

The grant will also support the development of a global learning initiative focused on nursing and midwifery policy leadership. Delivered through the Nursing Now Challenge network, the programme will bring together policymakers, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers, advocacy leaders, and other experts to help early-career professionals develop the skills and confidence needed to influence policy and drive change in their own countries.

The initiative is expected to strengthen policy leadership capabilities among nurses and midwives worldwide, foster stronger relationships between health stakeholders, and contribute to evidence-based national workforce planning. By engaging emerging leaders directly in policy processes, the programme will help ensure that future nursing and midwifery strategies reflect the perspectives and priorities of those who will lead the profession in years to come.

“Nurses and midwives have a critical role to play in shaping the future of health systems. Through this partnership with WHO, we are investing not only in evidence-informed policy development, but also in the leadership capabilities of early career nurses and midwives. By supporting them to engage directly in policy dialogue and decision-making, we hope to help build a stronger, more influential nursing voice in global health.”

Clare Cable, Chief Executive, The Burdett Trust for Nursing

This grant marks the eighth year of collaboration between WHO and the Burdett Trust for Nursing, continuing a partnership that began with the inception of Nursing Now in 2018 and has supported significant global advances in nursing and midwifery leadership and workforce development.

The project will contribute to the continued implementation of the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery through to 2030 and support efforts to strengthen health systems and advance progress towards universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.