CHS academics with the WHO delegation.UKZN Nursing Discipline Redesignated by WHO as Collaborating Centre
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UKZN’s Discipline of Nursing has been designated once again as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) for Nursing and Midwifery in the Africa region.
It is one of four such centres in Africa which are recognised by WHO,’ said Academic Leader Nursing Discipline and Director UKZN WHOCC for Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Ntombi Mtshali.
The designation, which is for four years, will expire in December 2024. The Discipline was first designated as a WHOCC in 1998 and has been re-designated several times, with the last re-designation in December 2018.
The Discipline is designated by WHO to form part of an international collaborative network carrying out activities in support of WHO programmes at national, regional and global levels.
Mtshali said: ‘As a WHOCC we are expected to implement the agreed work plan in a timely manner and to the highest possible standards of quality. The work plan covers three areas: (1) conducting research, documenting best practices and disseminating evidence on Nursing and Midwifery education and practice in the African Region; (2) developing the capacity of Nursing and Midwifery education institutions in the African Region, and (3) strengthening the capacities of communities and health workers to address priority health problems in mental health, maternal and child health as well as health emergencies and emerging diseases such as COVID- 19,’ she said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College Professor Busi Ncama expressed the College’s appreciation for being redesignated by WHO as a centre of excellence and reiterated the importance of realising the vision and mission of the University through activities such as those of the WHOCC. ‘Well done,’ she said.
Mtshali said ‘maintaining this prestigious recognition for more than 20 years is an honour’.
Words and photographs: Nombuso Dlamini