The International Organization of African Nurses was conceptualized to be a representative platform to advocate for nursing and healthcare advancement in Africa. This remained an abstract idea until 2013 when several graduate nurses and doctoral students of African descent realized that no one, other than Africans, can highlight and be best advocates for developing and implementing solutions to Af
rica's healthcare problems. With this in mind, and inlight of the repercussion of inaction, the International Organization of African Nurses was founded. Projected population growth in Africa in the coming decades have made our work even more urgent. Here are some examples:
While smoking rates in industrialized countries have progressively declined, smoking rates in Africa have been rising. Despite being signatories to the UN's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, several African nations have demonstrated legislative reluctant in the implementation of policies developed to scale back the influence of the tobacco industry in their countries. Recent outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and the Zika virus exposes the weaknesses of any healthcare system. Preparing nurses and healthcare providers in Africa remains a first-line barrier to the spread of such illnesses. Nurses in local hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa lack the knowledge and skills to handle such crisis. More investments are needed for the training and preparation of nurses who are at the front lines of such outbreaks. Malaria, HIV, communicable disease and mental health are still areas in need of research, investments, and the development of proper community-wide interventions. Infant mortality has numerous causes and the rate of infant mortality has been decreasing in Africa. However, lack of incubators in rural areas has led to preventable death of premature babies.
Despite advancements in medicine and the integration of technology for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases, most countries in Africa have continued to struggle with poor diagnostic capabilities while their citizens die of preventable illnesses.
The International Organization of African Nurses Will:
Provide a medium for the exchange of ideas among healthcare professionals on how to solve much needed healthcare problems in Africa. Provide advocacy and seek funding for problems where immediate action driven interventions would make a significant difference. For example, donating incubators and other diagnostic equipments to hospitals and local clinics across Africa. Work with other partners and foundations interested in advancing healthcare in Africa. Provide a platform to discuss ways of training more healthcare professionals and integrating technology in patient care in Africa. Provide representation of African nurses in world bodies such as the IMF, UN, and WHO.
Note: We function as a 501(c) 3 (charity) organization under UsAfrica Superstar that was founded in 2010. All contributions and donations towards the work of the IOAN are tax deductible.
