NR 553 Week 6 Nursing and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-553: Global Health
Prof. Name
Date
Week 6: Nursing and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
The Role of Nurses in Policy Development
Arabi, Rafii, Cheraghi, and Ghiyasvandian (2014) emphasized that health systems are evolving rapidly, requiring the nursing profession to adapt and actively participate in these transformations. Nurses should not only implement health policies but also play pivotal roles in influencing their formulation. Burke (2016) supports this perspective, highlighting that nurses hold the responsibility of shaping both present and future healthcare delivery. By participating in policy development, nurses can effectively advocate for improved healthcare systems and patient outcomes.
Global Health Council (GHC) and Its Contributions
The Global Health Council (GHC), founded in 1972, is an international non-governmental organization committed to advocating for global health priorities. Its mission is to strengthen health and well-being worldwide by connecting stakeholders, policy makers, and advocates to address pressing health challenges (Global Health Council, n.d.). With membership across 150 countries, GHC provides a collaborative platform that unites diverse voices in research, healthcare delivery, and evaluation.
Nurses’ Role in GHC
Nurses can contribute significantly to global health advocacy through GHC. Their direct engagement with patients, families, and communities positions them to identify emerging health concerns. By raising awareness, providing evidence-based interventions, and engaging in advocacy, nurses can influence global health agendas. Moreover, nurses can advance population health, improve patient care, and reduce costs through sustainable interventions.
Table 1
Nurses’ Contribution to Global Health through GHC
| Contribution Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Awareness & Advocacy | Raising awareness on health concerns to policymakers and stakeholders. |
| Evidence-Based Interventions | Providing solutions based on research and clinical expertise. |
| Cost Reduction Strategies | Implementing strategies to minimize healthcare expenditure. |
| Population Health Improvement | Promoting preventive care and community health initiatives. |
| Collaborative Leadership | Engaging with global partners in policymaking and advocacy. |
Professor Response to Post
Question: Nurses have a great role in promoting the mission of GHC. Please share your thoughts how we can get nurses’ work recognized on the world stage.
Response to Professor
Dr. Fildes and classmates, nurses’ contributions to global health can be elevated on the world stage through the development of sustainable academic and research structures. Establishing global health nursing programs, advancing interdisciplinary research, and fostering partnerships with governments and NGOs are key strategies (Gimbel, Kohler, Mitchell, & Emami, 2017).
Nurse scientists offer unique frontline perspectives that can generate innovative solutions to pressing healthcare challenges. By publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at international conferences, and collaborating across disciplines, nurses can amplify their impact. Moreover, political engagement in global policy-making allows nurses to influence reforms directly. Representation in leadership roles within nonprofit organizations, health boards, and philanthropic bodies further strengthens recognition of their work.
Sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships with governments, businesses, and consumer organizations are essential to promote equitable, patient-centered healthcare (Institute of Medicine, 2011). Through these approaches, nurses can secure global recognition for their advocacy and leadership.
Response to Peer Post
Gomez and Ruger (2015) argued that while many governments aim to establish independent health policies, international organizations often influence these policies to achieve broader health improvements. In some cases, governments adopt these changes into domestic frameworks.
Leslie, Faina, and classmates, meaningful stakeholder participation is increasingly critical in international health policymaking. However, despite genuine intentions, governments often face barriers such as resource shortages, competing agendas, or limited expertise, which hinder policy implementation. In these scenarios, NGOs transition from lobbying roles to oversight roles, ensuring that governments adhere to their prior commitments (Tortajada, 2016).
Since no single sector—government, private, or nonprofit—can resolve global health challenges independently, a collaborative approach is essential. NGOs possess the expertise to document on-ground realities, advocate for affected populations, and propose evidence-based solutions. Their capacity to act collectively with other stakeholders strengthens the implementation of global health initiatives.
References
Arabi, A., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014). Nurses’ policy influence: A concept analysis. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 19(3), 315.
Burke, S. (2016). Influence through policy: Nurses have a unique role. Reflections on Nursing Leadership. Retrieved from https://www.reflectionsonnursingleadership.org/commentary/morecommentary/Vol42_2_nurses-have-a-unique-role
NR 553 Week 6 Nursing and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Global Health Council. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from http://globalhealth.org/aboutus/mission-and-vision/
Gimbel, S., Kohler, P., Mitchell, P., & Emami, A. (2017). Creating academic structures to promote nursing’s role in global health policy. International Nursing Review, 64(1), 117-125. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12301
Institute of Medicine (US), Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
Gomez, E. J., & Ruger, J. P. (2015). Global and domestic policy responses to healthcare: A comparative analysis. Health Policy and Planning, 30(3), 285–297. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czu013
NR 553 Week 6 Nursing and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Tortajada, C. (2016). Nongovernmental organizations and influence on global public policy. Asia & The Pacific Policy Studies, 3(2), 266–274. https://doi.org/10.1002/app5.134