University of Michigan School of Nursing research fellow Katherine Kruger, Ph.D., recently took nursing’s voice to the global stage as a delegate at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.
Representing the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Leaders (SONSIEL), Dr. Kruger joined international delegates in discussions about strengthening global preparedness for future health emergencies.
She was one of only four nurses in the room.
“Nurses implement pandemic plans, but are often not involved in a meaningful way in the policy surrounding readiness efforts,” Dr. Kruger said. “One of the most important steps to achieving nursing leadership in global health policy is simply showing up and making our expertise heard.”
Dr. Kruger became involved with SONSIEL over the past several years as the organization expanded its efforts to increase nursing engagement and advocacy at the United Nations. As a delegate, she submitted remarks known as oral interventions calling on U.N. Member States to increase financing and support for their nursing workforces, not only during emergencies but as a core component of resilient health systems.
She also engaged with delegates representing different countries and sectors and heard a range of perspectives on how international commitments can translate into action.
“What stood out the most was the broad recognition that effective pandemic prevention, preparedness and response depends not only on strong national systems, but also on sustained international cooperation, equity and trust,” Dr. Kruger said.
It was also an opportunity for Katherine to implement what she learned at the U-M School of Nursing. Her clinical, research and advocacy work examines the essential role nurses play throughout pandemic preparedness and response, including community engagement, risk surveillance, emergency response, recovery and policy development.
She plans to bring lessons from the experience back to U-M by identifying opportunities for collaboration, connecting international policy discussions with nursing research, education and practice, and mentoring other nurses interested in global health policy.
“Participating as a delegate gave me a broader global policy perspective that I can bring back to my research, teaching and mentoring at U-M,” Dr. Kruger said.
“It also reaffirmed the importance of ensuring nursing expertise is voiced in every room where decisions about health are being made.”