PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre

The Pan American Health Organization, which serves as the regional office of the World Health Organization, designated the University of Michigan School of Nursing a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Clinical Training in Health Promotion Nursing in 1997. 

This designation recognizes our school’s excellent programs in health promotion research and training, as well as its commitment to a global approach in education, research, and services initiatives, particularly in the Americas. The University of Michigan prides itself on being one of only 44 nursing schools in the world to hold this designation. Re-assessed every four years, the current designation holds through December 2027. 

World Health Organization 

WHO strives for “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.” WHO conducts and promotes health research. To that end, WHO collaborates with leading universities and research institutes worldwide. Each collaborating centre focuses on a specific field in support of the World Health Organization. 

Collaborating Centre in Nursing and Midwifery 

The University of Michigan School of Nursing’s collaborating centre is a member of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres in Nursing and Midwifery.   

The nursing and midwifery Collaborating Centres comprise an inter-institutional network set up by WHO in support of its mission, particularly in respect to its aim of health for all, at country, regional and global levels. 

Terms of Reference for 2023 through 2027 

The University of Michigan School of Nursing Collaborating Centre collaborates with PAHO and Who to  

• support PAHO/WHO by providing technical input in the development and strengthening of midwifery education, regulation, and capacity building. 
• support PAHO/WHO in strengthening and building nursing capacity in training, quality of care and nursing workforce for primary health care. 

Maternity Waiting Home Toolkit Website

The PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre at UMSN recently created a web-based resource about best practices for Maternity Waiting Homes. The Maternity Waiting Home (MWH) Toolkit Website provides information, resources and examples of protocols for communities and health systems using or considering MWHs in order to improve maternal and newborn health. Individual communities and health systems will need to design their own approach and protocols but can learn from and adapt tools and policies that have been helpful in other settings. The site is available in both English and Spanish.

Leadership