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On the International Nurses’ Day this year, the International Council of Nurses
(ICN), the world body representing the nursing community in all parts of the
globe has reaffirmed its resolve to improve the health of the nations through
committed involvement of nurses.
Here, we are verbatim reproducing excerpts from a joint letter from Ms Rosemary Bryant and Ms
David C Benton, President and Chief Executive Officer respectively, followed by a bird’s eye view
of the issues before the ICN. |
Dear Colleagues,
Every country in the world is affected by the rising tide of chronic disease, and the need for access to appropriate, affordable
care for people with chronic conditions. The potential for nurses to contribute to improvement in the health of populations across
the world through attention to chronic disease prevention and care has never been greater.
Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and cancer are the world’s biggest killers, causing an
estimated 35 million deaths each year (WHO 2008a). 80% of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries. These
diseases are preventable. When they do occur, effective care and management from the earliest stages can enable those
affected to live fulfilling and productive lives. As well as these “conventional” chronic diseases, the changing pace and nature of
other diseases such as HIV/AIDS, means that increasing numbers of people in all countries need ongoing chronic care.
There is an urgent need for nurses everywhere to take the initiative and engage with all parts of the community and
all sectors to address the growing threat chronic diseases pose to global health and well being
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bryant, President
David C Benton, Chief Executive Officer
The Challenge: Of the estimated 35 million deaths caused by diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and
cancer, four-fifth incidence is in low and middle income countries. Ironically, most of these are
avoidable. Cardiovascular diseases, the numero uno cause of death globally, killed 17.1 million
persons in 2004, 82 percent of these incidences were in low and middle income countries. Diabetes
accounted for 1.1 million deaths in 2005, and the toll is likely to increase by 50 percent in 10 years
hence unless urgent action is taken. Cancer, with 7.4 million deaths in 2004 and respiratory diseases
are the next afflicting the huge populations in various countries.
The prevalence of chronic diseases and the insufficient measures to fight impose high costs in
human, social and economic terms, besides depriving the individuals and communities of the
potential achievements including low production and productivity. Any region-specific plan or
strategy to be followed requires taking into cognizance the status of literacy, poverty, gender
inequality and available health infrastructure.
Risk Reduction Strategies: There are some behavioural and biological factors that make the
populations more susceptible to various chronic diseases. It has been found that up to 80 percent
of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes and 33 percent cancers can be prevented by minimising
or managing the risk factors. The situation calls for close collaboration not only with various
related functionaries but also with voluntary sector, which has close interaction with local
communities and can influence them more effectively.
Nursing Contribution: Patients suffering from chronic conditions require not only self-care skills
for managing the problems at home, but also broad level of support from the community. Nurses
can extend support in big way for such patients. To provide respite to the chronic patients,
Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions model has been suggested by World Health Organisation
(WHO). Nurses have been at forefront in providing information to the patient, building relationship
with patients, care-givers and communities, using technology to advance care provision, helping
adherence to long-term therapy and promoting collaborative practices.
Nursing Innovations in Chronic Care: Motivated by the desire to improve the patient outcomes and the need to reduce costs to the health system, the nurses are, worldwide, engaged in innovative
activities on a daily basis. Advances in technology provide the basis for most innovation in care
and management of chronic conditions in terms of information and communication.
Role of National Nurses Associations (NNAs): An NNA is required to take into consideration various
factions in deciding the intervention to be made. They are in strong position to work with a wide
range of stake holders including patients, communities, employers etc. for best outcomes.
Educated and empowered nurses can contribute more effectively to the achievement of health
objectives. If each of the 13 million nurses made a personal commitment to make others eat
healthily, exercise appropriately drink sensibly and avoid the use of tobacco, this would improve
their health and well being and reduce the likelihood of them developing chronic disease. If each of
the nurses acted as role models, educators and change agents among their families, friends,
workplace and local communities, to promote healthier lifestyles together, we could help stem the
tide of chronic disease.
ICN and its partners are committed to preventing and better managing the chronic disease and
shall work to promote a healthier world.
