Nurses’ competence within the Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement~ A 30-year follow-up on Red Cross and Red Crescent Nursing Education and
Activities Responding to Local and Global Vulnerability ~The Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden
Ann Gardulf
Jan Nilsson
The Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing, Tokyo, Japan
Etsuko Hamada
Hiroshi Higashiura
Midori Kawashima
Asako Takei
Ikumi Sasaki
Keiko Honjo
Yukari Kawahara
Mitsuko Yoshida

March 20100

INDEX----------------------------------------------------- 1

Executive Summary
I. Background---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

1. Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
2. Concept of the total research project-------------------------------------- 3
3. Expected results of the total project------------------------------------ 3
4. Ethical considerations------------------------------------- 4

II. Material and Methods
1. The questionnaires
2. Response rates
3. Statistical analyses------------------------------------------------------------ 6----------------------------------------------------------- 6----------------------------------------------------------- 7--------------------------------------------------------- 10---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11--------------------------------------------------------- 11(1) Employment of nurse(s) to administrate/plan ----------------------------------------------------- 11(2) Calling on the services of a Nurse Advisor----------------------------------------------------- 11(3) Employment of nurse(s) to supervise and evaluate-------------------------------------------------- 11(4) Payment of salary to the nurse responsible for health/nursing activities -------------------------- 12(5) Type of employment for salaried nurses-------------------------------------------------- 12(6) Involvement of volunteer nurses and their working conditions-------------------------- 12(7) Number of hours per week employed as a nurse with responsibility for health/nursing activities at
the National Headquarters-------------------------- 12(8) Number of staff members and number of nurses working at the National Headquarters ------- 12(9) Number of nurses engaged in the Red Cross/Red Crescent health/nursing programmes ------- 13(10) Health activities performed by employed nurses and volunteer nurses------- 13(11) Nurses engaged in international missions during 2008-------------------------- 14

III. Results

1. Administration―HQ Level

2．Training of Professional Nurses and Auxiliary Nursing Personnel-------------------- 14(1) National Societies running their own nursing institutions(2) Courses run by the National Societies(3) Red Cross/Red Crescent topics included in the syllabus(4) Nursing students involved in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(5) Assistance to non-Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing schools-------------------- 14-------------------- 15-------------------- 15-------------------- 16-------------------- 16----------------------------------------------------------- 18(1) Health and Education Programmes-------------------------------------------- 18a) Health education programmes to the general publicb) Dissemination of health education programmes to professional nurses and health workersc) Training instructors to give health educationd) Areas of specialization that instructors are trained ine) Background of the trainersf) Training courses provided by the National Societiesg) Other training/courses(2) Institution – Health Care/Welfare Activities------------------------ 21a) Health centres (such as out-patient clinics, mother- and child-centres)b) Nutrition and/or feeding centresc) First aid posts/First aid teamsd) Hospitals

3. Nursing and Community Healthe) Other health institutionsf) Other institutions---------------------------------------------------------- 23(1) Training programmes for disaster relief action ---------------------------------------------------- 23(2) Nurse participation in the Disaster Preparedness Committee ------------------------------------- 23(3) Nurses deployed for international missions in 2008------------------------------------- 24

4. Nursing and Disaster Situations---------------------------------------------------------- 25(1) Management of blood programmes---------------------------------------------------------- 25(2) Employment of nurses, auxiliary nurses, volunteer nurses in blood programmes---------------- 26(3) Specific training given to nurses and other staff members in blood transfusion programmes -- 26(4) Non-remunerable blood donor recruitment and Club 25---------------- 26

5. Nursing and Blood Transfusion

6. Other Nursing Activities---------------------------------------------------------- 27

7. Documentation---------------------------------------------------------- 27

8. Utilisation of Nurses’ Competence within the National Society ------------------------- 29(1) Specific knowledge of nurses---------------------------------------------------------- 29(2) Degree of importance---------------------------------------------------------- 29(3) Importance of nurses’ competence---------------------------------------------------------- 30(4) Availability of nurses’ competence at HQ --------------------------------------------------------- 30(5) Availability of nurses’ competence at district/branch/chapter level-------------------------------- 30

IV. Discussion---------------------------------------------------------- 33

V. Concluding remarks and recommendations for future work --------------- 35
VI. References---------------------------------------------------------- 36---------------------------------------------------------- 37
Annex 1: Number of staff members and nurses at the National Headquarters----------------- 37
Annex 2: Number of nurses engaged in the RC/RC programmes----------------- 39
Annex 3: Mapping table---------------------------------------------------------- 40
Annex 4: List of National Societies which responded to the 1979 and 2009 surveys --------------- 41
Annex 5: Questionnaire for the 2009 survey --------------------------------------------------------- 49

VII. Annexes

Executive Summary
Background: From its very inception, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has worked
towards assisting vulnerable people, and as long as their profession has existed, nurses have been
ready to respond to public health threats in the community. Today, more than 150 years after thebirth of the Red Cross, health and care for the most vulnerable is still a key concern. The
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation)
demonstrates its responsibility towards improving the global health situation through its guiding
documents such as Strategy 2020. In 1979, the International Federation conducted a nursing survey
asking all member National Societies about their nursing activities, including e.g. training of nurses,
nursing and community health, nursing and disaster situations, nursing and blood transfusions, Red
Cross Principles and the Geneva Conventions, and utilization of nurses’ competence within the
National Society.

Aims: The aims of the research project were: (i) to perform a 30-year follow-up of the International
Federation’s 1979 data and to compare the results in order to investigate to what extent nurses’
competences are utilized within the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies and, (ii) to identify National
Societies who are running nursing education programmes and, by sending a questionnaire to theseteaching institutions, investigate in what way and to what extent the different nursing education
programmes contribute to the MDGs and the International Federation’s Global Agenda. This reportcovers the first aim of the research project.

Material and method: The questionnaire from 1979 was slightly adapted to reflect the current
health situation of the National Societies; e.g. questions about HIV/AIDS were added and sent to all
186 National Societies. The questionnaire was translated into all four of the International
Federation’s official languages. After two reminders, 84/186 replies were received, giving a response
rate of 45.2%. Among the 79 National Societies that responded to the 1979 survey, 43 (54.4%)
responded to the 2009 survey.

Results: The overall results show that nurses’ competence is regarded as important by a majority(76%) of the National Societies. More than 50% of the National Societies consider nurses’
competence to be specifically important for the International Federation’s four core areas:
humanitarian values, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and health and care in the community.
However, as identified within the study, some National Societies do not consider nurses’ competence
important in achieving their mission. Moreover, the survey demonstrates that there areapproximately the same number of nursing education institutions throughout the world today, as
compared with 30 years ago. However, at some institutions a higher level of education (up to PhD) is
now offered.

Concluding remarks: Most National Societies consider that nurses are important in responding
to humanitarian needs and health threats in the community. A further utilization of nurses’
competence should be considered as one vehicle to reach the goals set for Strategy 2020.

1

I.
1.

Background
Introduction

From its very inception, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has worked towards assisting
vulnerable people, and as long as their profession has existed, nurses have been ready to respond to
public health threats in the community [1]. Today, 150 years after the birth of the Red Cross idea,
health and care for the most vulnerable is still a key concern [2]. Poor health is a complex
phenomenon with many different causes, and the factors that influence health and illness are
multiple. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (hereafter called theInternational Federation) demonstrates its responsibility towards improving the global healthsituation through its guiding documents such as Strategy 2010 [3], where one of four core areas
concerns health and care; and further in its Global Agenda [4] comprising four health-related goals
which are in line with the task of promoting global health, supporting the millennium development
goals (MDGs) [5].
Globally, nurses and midwives constitute the largest proportion of health care workers. Working inall parts of the community, they play an important role in serious events and disasters. Supervisionand teaching of nurses is important, not only for patients, but also for health workers such as Red
Cross and Red Crescent health volunteers. “Globally, nurses and midwives constitute the largest
proportion of health care workers and are also described as the backbone of national health systems”[6][7]. The International Federation also promotes partnerships to increase efficiency in responding
to improving the health of vulnerable people.
In May 2008, the Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing in Tokyo, Japan and the Swedish Red
Cross College in Stockholm, Sweden signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with the aimof promoting collaboration in Nursing Education and Research and Development between the two
institutions.
As a first joint research collaboration, the two institutions have felt that there is lack of basic data on
the Red Cross/Red Crescent activities, inter alia information on the existing Red Cross/Red Crescentnursing institutions. At the initial stage of this project we had started to prepare our own originalquestionnaire to be addressed to some selected National Societies which might be running Red
Cross/Red Crescent educational institutions. At the beginning of September 2008, a similar survey
conducted by the then League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (now called the International
Federation) in 1979, was found at its Archives. Our immediate thought was that we should use the1979 survey form as a 30-year follow-up survey.1 The research project was presented to the Healthand Care Department of the International Federation at the end of September 2008. This research wasconsidered so unique and important that the Department indicated their full support and offered theirassistance in performing the project.

Why did the League of Red Cross Societies conduct the survey in 1979? In the International
Federation’s Archives we have found a reminder of 11 December 1979 in which it was mentionedthat the first deadline was set on 30 November: “five years ago a similar survey was conducted, andthis would be useful not only for the statistics, but also for forward-planning and for increasing
cooperation.” No other specific purpose was written in the papers in the files available at theArchives. We could, however, easily remember that the year before that survey was conducted,
namely 1978, the “Alma Ata Declaration” was adopted at the International Conference on Primary
Health Care (PHC), Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata), now in Kazakhstan, 6-12 September 1978,
organized by the WHO and UNICEF. [8] The Declaration expressed the need for urgent action by all
1

However, the 1979 data were only partially analysed and only presented in an internal report. Furthermore, in thefile the only replies that were available were from National Societies beginning with the letters A to K at that time.
Since then, efforts have been made to find the remaining replies from National Societies beginning with the letters L
to Z. About one year later, the replies from all 79 National Societies were made available as a reference to this30-year follow-up survey.

2

governments, all health and development workers, and the world community to protect and promote
the health of all the people of the world. It was the first international declaration underlining theimportance of primary health care. The primary health care approach has since then been acceptedby member countries of WHO as the key to achieving the goal of "Health for All". Several
recommendations on Red Cross primary health care activities have been adopted by a series of Red
Cross meetings and conferences.2
The evaluation of the nursing department within the International Federation has changed over time.
This is described in further detail in Box 1.

2.

Concept of the total research projectThis research project has a twofold aim:(i) To perform a follow-up of the International Federation’s survey and to compare the results fromthe 2009 survey with the results from the 1979 survey regarding the extent to which nurses’
competences are utilized within the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies.
(ii) To identify National Societies who are running nursing education programmes; by sending aquestionnaire to these teaching institutions we will investigate in what way and to what extent thedifferent nursing educations contribute to the MDGs and the International Federation’s Global
Agenda.
This is a preliminary report covering only the first aim of this total research project.

3.

Expected results of the total projectThis project using longitudinal data will enable us to describe how nursing and nursing competence
is utilized, and also how it may have evolved, within the RC/RC National Societies. Furthermore,
the project will also provide information on whether the nursing education programmes/activities of
National Societies comply with RC/RC health policy and the global health and care strategy of theInternational Federation. New unique knowledge on whether nursing education/activities contributeto the MDGs and/or the International Federation’s Global Agenda would be verified.
Focusing on achievements, the current situation as well as future actions within nursing worldwide,
we expect the research project to contribute to the implementation of the International Federation’s
Strategy 2020.
The XVIIth Session of the Health and Social Service Advisory Committee, 23-25 October 1978, discussed theConference on Primary Health Care in Alma Ata, 6-12 September 1978, and Working Group I submitted to theAdvisory Committee a preliminary draft of possible headings under which primary health care could be studied. It
was mentioned that National Societies should be encouraged to carry out a survey in their own country and work out
practical means for implementing their auxiliary role in these activities. This Advisory Commission report was
submitted to the 2nd Session of the Executive Council held in Geneva, 27-28 October 1978, and then to the 1st Sessionof the General Assembly of the then League of Red Cross Societies held in Geneva, 4-6 October 1979.
Recommendation No. 7 of the General Assembly recognized that primary health care calls for the integration of many
activities that are traditional within the Red Cross, and that their inclusion in comprehensive national primary healthcare programmes is a significant contribution to the attainment of the basic humanitarian purpose of the Red Cross,i.e. saving lives, and alleviating and preventing human suffering. The Secretary General of the League of Red Cross
Societies called for National Societies to be provided with all possible support through concrete plans, measures andactions for implementing Primary Health Care Programmes at local, regional and national level. The above
discussions and decisions were referred to the XXIVth International Conference of the Red Cross, which took placein Manila in 1981. The Conference adopted Resolution XXII “Co-operation of National Red Cross and Red CrescentSocieties with Governments in the field of primary health care”. The National Societies were recommended toconsider the development of primary health care a main task in the field of medico-social activities, paying special
attention to the elements and directions of these activities which met their national needs, and to broaden as far as
possible interregional and intraregional cooperation in setting up and improving community services through theexchange of experience, personnel and information. The League Secretariat was requested to ensure elaboration ofregional strategies and programmes for developing primary health care as an integral part of the strategy for thedevelopment of National Societies.
2

3

The project will also facilitate partnership-building between National Societies offering nursing
education/activities, and this will create a basis for sharing models of good practice.

4.

Ethical considerations

This study does not fall under the Helsinki Declaration [9]. However, it was agreed to utilize the1979 survey format and the data collected under the survey to this project. As the 30-year follow-up
survey, this project accordingly received the full support of the International Federation. In fact thefirst letter requesting the National Societies to fill in the questionnaire was signed by the Head of the
Health and Care Department of the International Federation, and their Regional Health Coordinators
have made efforts to encourage the National Societies in their region to fill in the questionnaire. It
was mentioned in both the covering letter and the questionnaire that all the answers would beanalysed, and the data on Red Cross and Red Crescent nursing would be made available to all
National Societies. The covering letter also included two focal points, with contact details forresearchers in Stockholm and Tokyo so that the recipients of the questionnaire could contact the
researchers with any questions, comments and/or points for discussion. Furthermore, prior to
publishing the report on the results of this project, presentations on the contents were given at theInternational Federation Secretariat as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Officials of the International Council of Nursing and the WHO also heard the briefing on theoutcome at that time.

4Box 1

Evolution of the Nursing Department within the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The Nursing Division was established in 1919 to help national societies to develop their nursing services
and to coordinate these services on an international level. The Nursing Division became the Nursing
Bureau in 1939, and then was named the Nursing and Social Services Bureau in 1947 to reflect the unit’s
increasing role in supporting social welfare programmes. In 1951 it was renamed the Nursing Bureau,
and in 1972 it became the Nursing Unit.
By a decision made in October 1983 and effective in January 1984, the Nursing Unit was dissolved and its
functions were integrated with those of the Community Health Department within the Technical Services
Division.
The Nursing programme was implemented based on the recommendations of the Nursing Advisory
Committee until 1981, when the Health and Social Services Advisory Committee took over the duties of
the Nursing Advisory Committee.
From the old organization charts in the Archives (and please bear in mind that some charts may be
missing), the evolution of the “Health department” is as follows:
By October 1984, the Technical Services Division had been renamed the Health Services Division
By January 1990, the Health Services Division had been renamed the Technical Advisory Services
Division. The Health Department and the Social Welfare Service each belonged to this Division.
By August 1991, the Health Department and the Social Welfare Service each belonged to theProgramme Development and Support Division.
By February 1995, the Community Health and Social Welfare Department belonged to the National
Society Cooperation and Development Division. An undated document gives the mandate of theCommunity Health and Social Welfare Department as: “Accountable for assisting the National
Societies in their work to improve the health status and quality of life and provide social welfare
services to the most vulnerable people.”
By November 1997, the Disaster Response and Operations Coordination Division had a Relief HealthService within the Disaster Response Support Department. An undated document gives the mandate of
the Relief Health Service as: “Provides services in the field of health including water and sanitation,
food and nutrition on needs assessments, training and programme development, relief health policy
formulation and advocacy for disaster preparedness relief and rehabilitation.”
By December 2001, the Community Health and Social Welfare Department was renamed the Healthand Care Department, and was in the Knowledge Sharing Division.
By December 2003, the Health and Care Department belonged to the Policy and Relations Division.
By May 2006, the Policy and Relations Division was renamed the Policy and Communications
Division, and again renamed the Policy and Planning Division by October 2006.
By April 2009, the Health and Care Department was renamed the Health, Care and Social Services
Department, and was in the Development Division.
(Source: This overview is based on the information given by Mr. Grant Mitchell, Manager, Library andArchives Unit, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva.)

5

II.

Material and Methods

1. The questionnaires
For the first part of the study, the questionnaire from 1979 was slightly adapted to reflect the current
health situation of the National Societies. Necessary questions have been added to the questionnaire,e.g. questions about HIV/AIDS.
The entire research project was presented to the Health & Care Department of the International
Federation in Geneva and was considered so unique and important that the Department gave theirfull support to it and provided assistance in performing the project.
The 1979 questionnaire consisted of 48 questions divided into 9 parts. The questionnaire was sent to
all 126 National Societies that were recognized and admitted to the International Federation at thattime. A total of 83 National Societies (65.9%) responded to the survey, although only 79 of the
responses (62.7%) were complete and could be analysed.
The 2009 questionnaire consists of 104 questions and is divided into 9 parts. The first questionnairein English was sent by the International Federation to all 186 National Societies, together with aletter signed by the Head of the Health & Care Department on 8 May 2009.
In order to make a comparative study of the 1979 and 2009 questionnaires, 31 questions have been
analysed, grouped into the following areas: administration, training of professional nurses andauxiliary nursing personnel, nursing and community health, nursing and disaster situations, nursing
and blood transfusion, Other nursing activities, documentation, utilization of nurses’ competence
within the National Society (see Table 1: The 1979 and 2009 questionnaires).
The Regional Health and Care Coordinator in Spanish-speaking regions advised that thequestionnaire should be translated into the International Federation’s official languages. At the initialstage, the researchers were a little hesitant to use questionnaires in different languages as this could
affect the accuracy of the results of the survey. If a questionnaire is to be translated into other official
languages of the International Federation, there is an obvious need for qualified translators in French,
Spanish and Arabic, who are familiar with Red Cross/Red Crescent wordings. The International
Federation was contacted to get their support in making their translators available, while a Regional
Health and Care Coordinator, Julie Hoare, of the International Federation Americas Zone Officeoffered to check the Spanish translation originally made by the Chilean Red Cross. French andArabic translations were produced by professional translators with experience of working with theInternational Federation. On 30 October, the versions of the questionnaire in the three other official
languages (French, Spanish and Arabic) were finally sent to the National Societies from Stockholm.
The deadline for returning the questionnaire was set to 30 November 2009.
The Health & Care Coordinators of International Federation zonal, regional and country offices wererequested to assist the National Societies in their area in filling in the questionnaire, and encouragethem to respond to this request favourably.
To enable reasonable comparison between the 1979 and 2009 survey results, a special reminder wassent to the National Societies, with a copy of their replies to the 1979 survey, in late December 2009.
At the same time, National Societies which were assumed to run Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing
education institutions according to “Partnerships in profile 2002-2003” [10], published by theInternational Federation in 2002, were approached to get their replies. On 22 February 2010, the six
National Societies which mentioned in the 1979 survey that they had their own nursing education
facilities and the eight National Societies which clearly mentioned their existing nursing education
facilities in the above-mentioned publication of the International Federation, were given a final
reminder, and the final deadline was extended to 5 March. Unfortunately no replies were received
from those 14 National Societies.
6

Table 1. The 1979 and 2009 questionnaires
1979 Questionnaire
Topic areas
No. of
items

24
18

31

12

3

2

8

4

VI

Administration
Training of professional
nurses and auxiliary
nursing
personnel(including Red Cross
history and principles as
wellas
GenevaConventions
Nursing and community
health-Healtheducation
programmes-Institutions – HealthCare / Welfare activities
Nursing and disastersituations
Nursing and bloodtransfusion
Other nursing activities

No. of items
used in thecomparative
study
7
5

2

-

VII

Documentation

2

1

VIII

Utilization of nurses’
competence within the
National Societies
Other comments
Total items

14

-

104

31

I
II

Administration
Trainingofprofessional nurses
andauxiliary
nursing personnel

13
5

I
II

III

Nursing
andcommunity health-Health education
programmes-Institutions

17

III

IV

Nursinganddisaster situations
Nursing and bloodtransfusion
Red
Cross
Principles
andGenevaConventions
Nursing News
Documentation

3

IV

4

V

3

1
2

V
VI

VII
VII
I

IX

Other comments
Total items

IX
48

2009 Questionnaire
Topic areas

No. ofitems

2. Response rates
A total of 84 National Societies (45.2%) responded to the survey. A comparison of the response rate
between the 1979 and 2009 questionnaires by region is shown in Table 2. The highest response rate
is seen in the Asia Pacific region: 79.2% in 1979 compared with 82.4% in 2009. In the case ofEurope and Central Asia, the number of National Societies responding is almost the same, but due tothe divisions of some countries in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, the number ofcountries has increased from 31 to 52. Accordingly, response rates have dropped from 74.2% to46.2%. To our great regret, there has been little improvement in the response rates of the National
Societies in Arabic and Spanish-speaking countries after distributing the questionnaires in Arabic
and Spanish. Only two National Societies in the Southern Africa region responded to this survey.
To our regret the response rate was not as high as we expected. What was the reason for such a
result? There are several answers to this question. (1) The National Societies are tired of surveys as
they have been requested to answer one after another. (2) As the original one was only in English,
National Societies using other languages have lost interest in this survey. (3) Some National
7

Societies thought this survey should only be filled in if they ran their own nursing education
facilities.

Table 2. Response rates by region
RegionEurope & Central
Asia
MENA3
Asia Pacific
AmericasWest & Central
AfricaEastern Africa
Southern Africa
TOTAL

No. ofNSs

1979 survey
No. of%responses

No. ofNSs

2009 survey
No. of%responses

31

23

74.2

52

24

46.2

13
24
26

5
19
16

38.5
79.2
61.5

18
34
35

3
28
11

16.7
82.4
31.4

17

7

41.2

24

11

45.8

9
6
126

3
6
79

33.3
100
62.7

13
10
186

5
2
84

38.5
20
45.2

Among the 79 National Societies that responded to the 1979 questionnaire, 43 National Societies(54.4%) responded to the 2009 questionnaire: 9 National Societies in Europe and Central Asia, 1 in
MENA, 17 in Asia Pacific, 8 in the Americas, 4 in West and Central Africa, 2 in Eastern Africa and 2
in Southern Africa.
Another 41 National Societies out of the 60 National Societies which have become members of theInternational Federation since the 1979 survey was conducted, responded to the 2009 survey. This
represents 68.3% of the relatively new member National Societies. In other words, this 2009 survey
consists of the replies of approximately half of the National Societies admitted to the International
Federation as members after the 1979 survey was conducted.

3 MENA: Middle East and North Africa

8Box 2
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic used to rank countries by level of"human development". A country’s HDI is rated as very high, high, medium or low. The HDI
combines three dimensions [11]:・Life expectancy at birth, as an index of population health and longevity
・Knowledge and education, as measured by the adult literacy rate (with two-thirds weighting)and the combined primary, secondary, and tertiary gross enrollment ratio (with one-third
weighting).
・Standard of living, as measured by the natural logarithm of gross domestic product per capita
at purchasing power parity.
The HDI rankings are to be found in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Human Development Reports (HDRs). According to the Human Development Report of 2009,
182 countries4 were ranked in the four categories as follows: 38 countries (20.9%) had a VeryHigh HDI, 45 (24.7%) had a High HDI, 75 (41.2%) had a Medium HDI and 24 (13.2%) had a
Low HDI.
Figure 1 shows the application of the HDI (see Box 2) ranking to the 2009 survey. There are 17
National Societies (20.2%) each in countries with Very High HDI and High HDI, 36 National
Societies (42.9%) in countries with Medium HDI, 10 National Societies (11.9%) in countries with
Low HDI and four (4) National Societies (4.8%) in countries that are not ranked.

4
10

17
Very High HDIHigh HDI
Medium HDI
Low HDI17

Not ranked
36

Figure 1. National Societies responding to the 2009 survey, grouped according to the Human
Development Index (UNDP, 2009)

The HDI has been used since 1990 by the UNDP for its annual Human Development Reports.
Therefore, no ranking was available when the 1979 survey was conducted. For the sake ofcomparison between these two surveys, the same HDI ranking should be applied to the 1979
4

The following 12 countries are not classified in the ranking: Iraq, Kiribati, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,
Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Palau, San Marino, Somalia, Tuvalu andZimbabwe.

9

responses; 23 National Societies (29.1%) are in Very High HDI countries, 20 National Societies(25.3%) in High HDI countries, 29 National Societies (36.7%) in Medium HDI countries, six (6)National Societies (7.6%) in Low HDI countries and one (1.3%) is in a country that is not ranked.
The differences between the two surveys can be seen in Figure 2. Relatively fewer National
Societies in Very High HDI and High HDI countries, but more National Societies in Medium HDI
and Low HDI countries, responded to the 2009 survey than to the 1979 survey.
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

1979
2009

Very High High HDI Medium Low HDI
HDI
HDI

not
rankedFigure 2. National Societies responding to the 1979 and 2009 surveys, grouped according to the
Human Development Index (UNDP, 2009)

3. Statistical analyses
The Chi-square test was used to compare the distribution of answers between the 1979 and the 2009questionnaires. The limit for statistical significant differences was set to 0.05.

10

Ⅲ．Results
1.

Administration―HQ Level(1) Employment of nurse(s) to administrate/plan the National Society’s health/nursing
activities
A total of 46 National Societies (54.8%) employ a nurse/nurses to administrate/plan theirhealth/nursing activities in 2009, compared with 48 (60.7%) in 1979, as shown in Figure 3. There isno significant difference between the two surveys.

2009
Yes
No
No response
1979

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Figure 3. National Societies with nurses employed to administrate/plan their health/nursing activities(2) Calling on the services of a Nurse Advisor when planning the National Societies’
health/nursing services
Among the National Societies without a permanently employed nurse, eight (8) out of 36 National
Societies (22.2%) in 2009, compared with 17 National Societies (66.7%) in 1979, indicated that theywould call on the services of a nurse advisor when planning their health/nursing service.
(3) Employment of nurse(s) to supervise and evaluate the National Societies health/nursing
activities
In 2009 the National Societies were also asked whether they employed a nurse/nurses to supervise
and evaluate their health/nursing activities. A total of 44 National Societies (52.4%) indicated thatthey employ a nurse/nurses to supervise these activities. Furthermore, 39 National Societies (46.4%)
indicated that they employ a nurse/nurses to evaluate their health/nurse activities.

11

To evaluate

Yes

To supervise

No
No response

To administrate/plan

0%

20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Figure 4. National Societies employing nurses to administrate/plan, supervise and evaluate theirhealth/nursing activities in 2009(4) Payment of salary to the nurse responsible for health/nursing activities at the National
Headquarters
Data from 2009 showed that in 44 National Societies (52.4%) the nurse responsible forhealth/nursing activities at the National Headquarters is working for a salary, as compared with datafrom 1979 showing that 36 National Societies (45.6%) paid a salary to the nurse responsible.
(5) Type of employment for salaried nurses
Data from 2009 indicated that 39 National Societies (46.4%) have nurses employed working
full-time, while seven (7) National Societies (8.3%) reported that they have nurses employed on apart-time basis.
(6) Involvement of volunteer nurses and their working conditions
Data from 2009 indicated that there are 16 National Societies (19.1%) where volunteer nurses are
responsible for health/nursing activities. Of these 16 National Societies, seven (7) National Societies
depend on full-time volunteers and nine National Societies depend on part-time volunteers who areresponsible for health/nursing activties.
(7) Number of hours per week employed as a nurse with responsibility for health/nursing
activities at the National Headquarters
The number of hours per week employed as a nurse with responsibility for health/nursing activities
at the National Headquarters ranges between one (1) hour and 48 hours, and the average is 29.8
hours（±15.2).（N=43)(8) Number of staff members and number of nurses working at the National Headquarters
The number of staff members working at the respective National Headquarters varies, as shown inAnnex 1. The number of nurses working at National Headquarters also varies considerably. The
Thai Red Cross indicated there are 1,708 nurses working at their National Headquarters, but thisfigure includes those who work at their two hospitals (1,608 nurses in total) as well as their National
Blood Centre (41 nurses). The remaining 59 nurses work at the Relief and Community Bureau of the
National Headquarters. The other National Societies reported: 30 in the Kenyan Red Cross, 16 in the
Egyptian Red Crescent, 12 in the Philippine National Red Cross and 10 each in the American Red
Cross and the Spanish Red Cross. Totally 18 National Societies reported that no nurses are employed
12within their National Headquarters.5(9) Number of nurses engaged in the Red Cross/Red Crescent health/nursing programmes at
National Headquarters, on regional and/or local level, and on international assignments
The number of nurses engaged in the Red Cross/Red Crescent health/nursing programmes at therespective National Headquarters varies: 1,708 nurses in Thailand followed by 34 in Germany (inthis case not at the National Headquarters, but at the Nursing Association).
At the Red Cross and Red Crescent regional/local level the number of nurses engaged is 32,000 in
Japan, 21,000 in Germany, 20,000 in USA. In the case of the Japanese Red Cross Society, these arepaid staff working at Red Cross hospitals, blood centres and social welfare institutes, while in thecase of the American Red Cross these are registered as volunteers. The number of nurses engaged in
Red Cross/Red Crescent programmes is shown in Annex 2.
(10) Health activities performed by employed nurses and volunteer nurses
With regard to health activities performed by employed nurses and volunteer nurses, some National
Societies replied. A total of 32 National Societies replied concerning activities by employed nurses
and 22 replied concerning volunteer nurses. The most common health activities performed by bothvolunteer and employed nurses are related to health education and first aid. Primary health care,water and sanitation and refugee health are only mentioned by employed nurses. Volunteer training
and relief work are only mentioned by volunteer nurses (Figure 5).

Relief work
Volunteer training
Refugee Health
Psychological Support
Home for disabled
Mass vaccination
WATSAN
Reproductive Health
Ambulance Service
Emergency & Disaster Health
HIV/AIDS
Home based Nursing
Health Clinics
BloodFirst Aid
Health Education
Primary Health Care0
Volunteer RC/RC Nurses

5

10

15

20

Employed RC/RC Nurses

Figure 5. Health activities performed by volunteer RC/RC nurses (N=22 National Societies)
compared with employed RC/RC nurses (N=32 National Societies)

5

Some of the National Societies (e.g. Canada) did not fill in these columns. Some other National Societies (e.g.
Iran) indicated the number of staff members at the department responsible for health and care, but not the National
Headquarters staff in total.

13

(11) Nurses engaged in international missions during 2008
A total of 11 National Societies clarified what health activities were performed by nurses engaged ininternational missions during 2008. The results showed that community health and HIV/Aids was
the most common health activity among nurses engaged in international missions during 2008
(Figure 6). (See also 4.(3) Nursing & Disaster Situations: nurses engaged in international missions
during 2008)

Mother and child healthWard nurse
OT nurse
Hospital administration
Fact deployment
Emergency health
Disaster relief health
Conflict related assistance
Health coordinator
HIV/AIDS programmes
Community health
0

1

2

3

4

5

Figure 6. Health activities performed by staff/volunteer nurses during international missions in2008 (N=11 National Societies)

2．Training of Professional Nurses and Auxiliary Nursing Personnel(1) National Societies running their own nursing institutions
A total of 17 out of 84 National Societies (20.2%) replied that they run their own Nursing
Colleges/University Colleges/Schools of Nursing. These National Societies are Germany, Spain,
Sweden, Egypt, Lebanon, Bangladesh, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chile,
Bolivia, Antigua and Barbuda, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.6

6

However, according to the publication entitled “Partnerships in profile 2002-2003” published by the International
Federation in 2002, the following National Societies run their own nursing education institutions: France, Turkey,
Uruguay, Argentine, Mali, Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela. In the 1979 survey the following National Societies replied
they had nursing education facilities: Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania and South Africa. These
National Societies were repeatedly requested to fill in the 2009 questionnaire, and at the final stage they were evenrequested to confirm if they were still running nursing education facilities. To our great regret, no reply reached us
before this report was compiled. It appears that approx 25 National Societies run nursing education institutions.

14

6
17
Yes
No
No response

61

Figure 7. Number of National Societies running Red Cross/Red Crescent Nursing
College(s)/School(s)(2) Courses run by the National Societies
National Societies indicating Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing schools were asked to clarify whichcourses they run. Courses for professional nurses (RNs) are mentioned by 13 out of 17 National
Societies (76.5%), and 11 each out of 17 National Societies (64.7%) run courses for auxiliary
nursing personnel and specialized training such as advanced courses. Post-basic training in
administration and education is organized by 10 out of 17 National Societies (58.8%).

Post basic training

Specialsed training
2009
Professional nurses (R.N.)

1979

Auxiliary nursing personnel
0

5

10

15

20

25

Figure 8. Distribution of educational programmes provided by Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing
colleges/schools by year 1979 and 2009 (Data given by number of National Societies)(3) Red Cross/Red Crescent topics included in the syllabus
Red Cross/Red Crescent history is included in the syllabus at 13 out of 17 National Societies’
nursing college/schools. A total of 12 National Societies replied that Red Cross/Red Crescentprinciples are included in their syllabus. Nine (9) National Societies answered that the Geneva
Conventions are included in the syllabus. Eight (8) National Societies replied that their nursing
schools’ syllabuses include Red Cross/Red Crescent involvement in disaster management (disaster15

response, disaster nursing). Red Cross/Red Crescent involvement in armed conflict situations is
included in the syllabus of only five National Societies. 15 National Societies replied that their
nursing school students participate in Red Cross/Red Crescent activities during their education.
Table 5. Topics included in the syllabus
TopicsNo. of NSs

RC/RC history

13

RCRC principles

12

RC/RC disaster management

9

RC/RC role in armed conflict situations

8

Students’ participation in RC/RC activities

15(4) Nursing students involved in Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
In all, 14 National Societies replied. Data showed that among nursing students the most common
areas of involvement are CBFA and traditional first aid, emergency health and blood programmes.
Less common areas of involvement are international exchanges and Red Cross/Red Crescent youth
activities (Figure 9).

International exchanges
RC/RC youth activities
HIV/AIDS programmes
Elderly and social care
RC/RC day and WAD
Blood programmes
Emergency health
CBFA and First Aid
0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Figure 9. Nursing students’ involvement in Red Cross/Red Crescent activities (2009) (N=14
National Societies)(5) Assistance to non-Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing schools

Assistance to non-Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing schools is provided by 26 National Societies
which do not run any type of nursing college/school of their own.
The most common assistance given to non-Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing schools is support given
to instructors in first aid, and this is reported by 26 National Societies. A total of 18 National
Societies mentioned the provision of Red Cross/Red Crescent books and materials. In addition, 16
National Societies provide an instructor/teacher to teach about the Geneva Conventions.

16

Instructor/tacher in first aid
Instrucor/teacher on the Geneva
Conventions
Books and materials
0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Figure 10. Types of assistance given to non-Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing colleges/schools(Data given as number of National Societies)173. Nursing and Community Health(1) Health and Education Programmesa) Health education programmes to the general public
A total of 60 out of 79 National Societies (75.9%) in the 1979 survey disseminated health education
programmes to the general public, and 73 out of 84 (86.9%) do so in the 2009 survey. There are no
major differences between the two surveys, but the number of National Societies which do notdisseminate it to the general public has slightly decreased during these three decades.
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%

No response

50%

No

40%

Yes

30%
20%
10%
0%
1979

2009

Figure 11. Distribution of National Societies disseminating health education programmes to thegeneral public by yearb) Dissemination of health education programmes to professional nurses and health workers
In the 2009 survey, 36 out of 84 National Societies (42.9%) disseminate health education
programmes to professional nurses and health workers. No comparison between the 1979 and the2009 surveys can be made, as this was not asked about in 1979.
There is a nurse responsible for the organization and development of disseminating health education
programmes in 26 National Societies, which represents about one third of them.
c) Training instructors to give health education
Only 40 National Societies out of 79 (50.6%) in the 1979 survey trained their instructors to give
health education. In the 2009 survey this has increased to 68 out of 84 National Societies (87.95%).
The difference between the two surveys is extremely significant.

18

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%

No response

50%

No

40%

Yes

30%
20%
10%
0%
1979

2009

Figure 12. Distribution of National Societies training their instructors to give health education by
yeard) Areas of specialization that instructors are trained in
A total of 68 National Societies reported that they provide their instructors with training to enable
them to give health education, but 53 National Societies clarified the areas in which they specialize.
Data showed that most of the instructors specialize in first aid, followed by health education andhealth promotion, infectious diseases such as HIV, TB and malaria, home-based care and training
skills (Figure 13).
RC/RC movement
Blood programs
Psychological support
Mother & child health
CPR
CBFA
Disaster preparedness
Trainer skills
Home based care
HIV/TB/Malaria
Health education & promotion
First Aid
0

10

20

30

40

50

Figure 13. Areas of specialization among trainers (N=53)e) Background of the trainers
This question allows multiple replies. Data showed that 32.3% of the trainers in total do not haveany medical background. Nurses (26.6%) represent the largest group of trainers with ahealth/medical background, followed by doctors (22.8%) and paramedics (18.3%).

19

60

51

50

42

36

40

29

30
20
10
0
Doctors

NursesParamedics

Non-medical
personnel

Figure 14. Distribution of trainers’ professional background (Data given as multiple replies andnumber of National Societies)f) Training courses provided by the National Societies
Data showed that the number of courses provided by National Societies in nutrition and care of theelderly and handicapped has increased between 1979 and 2009, compared with courses in motherand baby-care and care of the sick that have decreased between 1979 and 2009.

Nutritional courses
Care of the elderly and handicapped
2009

Mother and baby care

1979

Care of the sick
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Figure 15. Distribution of courses provided by National Societies by year (Data given as
percentages)g) Other training/courses
In the 2009 survey, other training/courses were also asked about, based on the present healthsituation in the world. The specific items were malaria, HIV/AIDS, community health, emergency
health, TB-related health programmes, first aid, community-based health/and primary health careand psychosocial support.
As shown in Figure 16, almost all National Societies organize training/courses on first aid (95.2%),
followed by training in HIV/AIDS (80.9%), community-based health/PHC (75%) emergency health(71.4%) and psychosocial support (69.1%). However, others, namely TB-related health programmes(41.7%) and malaria programmes (39.3%) are relatively organized by a limited number of National
Societies. TB-related health programme training/courses are organized in 11 National Societies eachin Europe and Asia Pacific, and 9 National Societies in Africa; while in the case of malaria,
training/courses are organized by 15 National Societies in Asia Pacific and 13 National Societies inAfrica, as shown in the mapping table attached as Annex 3 in this report.

20

Psychosocial
PHC
First Aid
TB-related
系列1
Emergency health
HIV/AIDS
Malaria
0

20

40

60

80

100

Figure 16. Distributions of other training courses provided by National Societies
A total of 58 National Societies (31%) reported that they provide other health education courses in
addition to those mentioned above. Examples of such health education courses are in the field ofaccident prevention, pandemic preparedness, sexual health, contagious diseases, nutrition, blood
donor recruitment, climate change, HIV, disaster preparedness and home violence.
(2) Institution – Health Care/Welfare Activities
In both the 1979 and 2009 surveys, questions about four institutions, namely “health centres”,“nutrition and/or feeding centres”, “first aid posts/first aid teams” and “hospitals” are included in thequestionnaire.
a) Health centres (such as out-patient clinics, mother- and child-centres)
There are 26 National Societies running health centres such as out-patient clinics, and mother- andchild-centres. This number has not changed between the years 1979 and 2009, but the fact that the
number is the same is merely a coincidence.
b) Nutrition and/or feeding centres
Nutrition and/or feeding centres were run by nine (9) National Societies (11.4%) in the 1979 survey;
and in 2009 there are 11 National Societies (13.1%) running them: six (6) in Europe, five (5) in Asiaand two (2) in the Americas, but none in Africa. In Africa under relief operations such as
drought/famine, refugees/displaced persons, etc. these nutrition and/or feeding centres are organized
as ad-hoc activities.
c) First aid posts/First aid teams
First aid posts/first aid teams were run by 56 National Societies (70.9%) in the 1979 survey
compared with 68 National Societies (81.0%) running them in 2009.
d) Hospitals
The number of National Societies running hospitals has dropped from 22 (28%) in 1979 to 18 (21%)
in 2009. There is a tendency for National Societies to withdraw from hospital management in linewith the Federation’s health and care policy.

21

Hospitals
First aid posts/First Aid
Teams
2009
1979

Nutrition/feeding centres

Health centers
0

20

40

60

80

Figure 17. Distribution of National Societies (%) running health institutions by yeare) Other health institutions
In the 2009 questionnaire some other health institutions were added, namely social welfare centres,child welfare centres, welfare facilities for the elderly and welfare facilities for people withdisabilities. In answer to this question, 22 National Societies (26%) run social welfare centres, 15
National Societies (18%) run child welfare centres, welfare facilities for the elderly and welfare
facilities for people with disabilities, as shown in Figure 21.

25
20
15
10
5
0
Social
WelfareCentresChild
WelfareCentres

WelfareWelfarefacilities for facilities forthe elderly people withdisabilities

Figure 21. Number of National Societies running social welfare centres, child welfare centres,
welfare facilities for the elderly and welfare facilities for people with disabilitiesf) Other institutions
In addition to health centres mentioned above, 30 National Societies reported that they operate other
health-related centres. These centres are grouped into medical services, community health andcapacity building.
(i) Medical services:
Medico-social service, nursing homes, hospice, artificial limb service, physiotherapy, health advice
centres, blood collection centres, organ donation centres, community centres for addicts andpsychiatric patients, harm reduction centres
22

(ii) Community health services:
Immigrant centres, health care centres for migrants, CBHFA centres, psychosocial support centres,
centres for homeless people, emergency centres for maltreated mothers, day centres for lonely
people, centres for street children, summer camps and centres for orphans, centres for elderly anddisabled people, child advocacy and rehabilitation centres, harm reduction centres, kindergartens andplayschools.
(iii) Capacity building:Centres providing sewing courses for women, courses in hairdressing, etc.

4. Nursing and Disaster Situations(1) Training programmes for disaster relief action
Under this section, the National Societies were asked if they had a training programme for disaster
relief action in which nurses participate. In the 1979 survey, 38% of the National Societies replied in
the affirmative, and in the 2009 survey the figure is 33.3%. No significant difference between thetwo surveys is seen.

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%

No response

50%

No

40%

Yes

30%
20%
10%
0%
1979

2009

Figure 19. Distribution of National Societies providing training in disaster relief by year(2) Nurse participation in the Disaster Preparedness Committee
The question was if the National Society involved a nurse as a member of the committee in charge ofdisaster relief preparedness at National Headquarters. The results showed that 25 (31.8%) out of 79
National Societies in 1979 responded “Yes” to this question, compared with 30 National Societies(35.7%) in 2009.

23

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%

No response

50%

No

40%

Yes

30%
20%
10%
0%
1979

2009

Figure 20. Distribution of National Societies employing a nurse in the disaster preparedness
committee by year(3) Nurses deployed for international missions in 2008
Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies have a long tradition of assisting each other in termsof funding, goods and human resources whilst facing hardships. Results from the survey showed that
22 National Societies (26.2%) deployed nurses for international missions working in the field of
emergency/disaster response/cooperation and/or development programmes during 2008. The highest
number of deployed nurses for international missions was reported by the National Societies inAustralia who sent 67 nurses, followed by Japan sending 31 nurses, Finland sending 28 nurses,
Canada sending 17 nurses, Denmark sending 12 nurses and Sweden sending 11 nurses, as shown in
Table 6.

Table 6. Summary of National Societies sending nurses on international missions during 2008
No. ofCountry

delegates

Australia

67

Japan

31

Finland28

Canada17

Denmark

12

Sweden11

Germany

6

Iran

6

Switzerland

4

Singapore

4

Sierra Leone

424

United States of America

3

Belgium

2

Iceland

2

Chile

2

Antigua and Barbuda

2

Democratic Republic of Congo

2

Uganda

2

Egypt

1

The Philippines

1

Central Africa Republic

1

Burundi1

5. Nursing and Blood Transfusion(1) Management of blood programmes
In the 2009 survey, 36 National Societies reported that they run a blood transfusion programme,
compared with 25 National Societies in the 1979 survey. However, only 25 National Societies
indicated that they employ nurses for blood programmes. It seems that some National Societies
which do not physically run the programme in taking blood, testing that blood, providing blood tohospital, etc., are included in the 36 National Societies. In other words, National Societies promoting
blood donor recruitment indicated that they run their blood transfusion programme.

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%

No response

50%
40%

No

30%

Yes

20%
10%
0%
1979

2009

Figure 21. National Societies running blood transfusion programmes

25(2) Employment of nurses, auxiliary nurses, volunteer nurses in National Society blood
programmes
In the 2009 survey, professional /registered nurses are employed to run the blood programme, but asmall number of National Societies employ only auxiliary nursing personnel.

30
25
20
15

1979

10

2009

5
0
Registered
nurse

Auxiliary nurse

Volunteer

Figure 22. Distribution of nursing staff in National Societies’ blood programmes by year(3) Specific training given to nurses and other staff members in National Societies’ bloodtransfusion programmes
The results showed that 23 out of 25 National Societies employing professional nurses/registerednurses in blood programmes provide the nurses with specific training. In reply to the question if all
members of staff are trained on site, 23 National Societies answered “Yes”. Today, almost all
National Societies running blood programmes provide employees with some training, but thecontents of the training are not known. No data are available for the training of other staff membersin the 1979 survey.

25
20
15
1979
10

2009

5
0
Nurse

All staff on site

Figure 23. Specific training given to nurses and other staff members(4) Non-remunerable blood donor recruitment and Club 25
In the 2009 survey, 49 out of 84 National Societies (58.3%) are involved in the non-remunerable
blood recruitment, and 28 out of 46 National Societies who replied to this question organize “Club26

25”, which is a youthful RC/RC concept, promoting the value of saving lives by giving blood: 3 inEurope and Central Asia, 14 in Asia and Pacific, 5 in the Americas, 4 in West and Central Africa and2 in Eastern Africa.

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Non-remunuerable
blood recruitment

Club 25

Figure 24. Distribution of National Societies running non-remunerable blood donor recruitment
and Club 25 by year

6. Other Nursing Activities
The results indicated that 18 National Societies have other nursing activities. These activities can besummarized:- Commercial first aid, accident simulation, emergency medical response teams, advanced medical
posts, mobile hospitals, health care in out-patient clinics, training programmes for nurses- Diabetes care, preventive care, alcohol and drug programmes,- Advocacy work for migrants, right to health, treatment to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers,
mine awareness programmes, advocacy work

7. Documentation
National Societies which have published documentation covering subjects related to nursing
In the 1979 survey, 31 (39.2%) of the National Societies had published some documentation
covering subjects related to nursing. The number in the 2009 survey is 19 (22.6%).
Some National Societies have provided examples on published documentation.
Belarus Red Cross. (2001). Best practices: Basis of home care.
Belarus Red Cross (1991). Best practices: First Aid.
Chinese Red Cross. Magazine spirit of Florence Nightingale in China.
Dehghan. (2007). AMP Guideline.
Farsad, A. & Safarieh. (2005). Operation guideline of reproductive health team in disaster.
Ferrier, Y. (1995). Training manual for nurses and midwifes.
Ghana Red Cross Society. (1998). Training manual for leaders of mothers club.
Ghana Red Cross Society. (1991). First Aid in community health care.
Ghana Red Cross Society. (2004). Home based care of HIV/AIDS patients.
Ghana Red Cross Society. (2008). Osteoporosis prophylaxes in community.
Hög. (2009). The ghost women, a study about undocumented pregnant women´s need and access to27

antenatal care in Stockholm, Sweden.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent. (2002). Action with youth on HIV/AIDS.
Japanese Red Cross Society. Nursing Department. (2004). Compilation of F. Nightingale medal
winners.
Japanese Red Cross Society. Nursing Department. (2007). Text book on Red Cross: Disaster nursing.
Japanese Red Cross Society. Nursing Department. (2008). Anniversary of centennial establishedinstitution for graduated nurses.
Japanese Red Cross Society. Nursing Department. (2008). Introduction to the career development
program.
Kohankhaki, R. (2006). EMRT Guidline.
Philippine National Red Cross. (2001). Health Workers (Guide for community health workers).
Philippine National Red Cross. (1980, revised 2008). Care of the sick and injured.
Philippine National Red Cross. (1994, revised 2008). Disaster nursing.
Philippine National Red Cross. (1980, revised 2008). Mother and baby care.
Philippine National Red Cross. (2002). Red Cross caregivers manual.
Pulido, R. (2009). La formation de las enfermeras de la Cruz Roja Espaola. Legado
historic-filosofico. Doctoral thesis.
Rezaeifard & Safarieh. (2005). Vaccination guidelines.
Rotkreuzschwester. (2007). Die Pflegeprofies.
Stålgren. (2008). An explorative study of the protection of health for asylum seekers.
Swiss Red Cross. (1997). Manual for Nurses.
Vnuk, V & Vnuk, S. (1995). Home care for elderly and first aid at home.
National Societies reports that they in addition to the above mentioned documentation haveproduced leaflets, brochures and reports.
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%

No response

50%
40%

No

30%

Yes

20%
10%
0%
1979

2009

Figure 25. National Societies which have published documentation covering subjects relating tonursing28

8. Utilisation of Nurses’ Competence within the National Society(1) Specific knowledge of nurses
In response to the question of whether the specific knowledge of nurses is important in achieving themission of the National Society, 64 National Societies (76%) answer in the affirmative, although
only 46 of them employ a nurse/ nurses at their NHQ.

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

No response
No
Yes

Figure 26. Response of National Societies regarding the importance of the specific knowledge of
nurses(2) Degree of importance
Regarding the degree of importance of utilizing nurses’ competence, 23 (35.9%) out of 64 National
Societies consider nurses’ specific knowledge as important in achieving their mission, indicating thedegree of importance as “Very high” and “High”; 16 considered it to be “Average”; and two (2)National Societies marked “Low”.

2
16

Very high23

High
Average
Low
23

Figure 27. Degree of importance of nurses’ competence29

(3) Importance of nurses’ competence
The question concerns the importance of nurses’ competence within the National Society to assist in
the following four categories under the International Federation’s core areas in Strategy 2010: (i)promotion of the Movement’s fundamental principles, (ii) disaster preparedness, (iii) disaster
response and (iv) health and care in the community.

(i)

The importance of nurses’ competence to assist in promotion of the Movement’s
fundamental principles is agreed on by 44 National Societies (52.4%).

(ii)

A total of 45 National Societies (53.6％) agreed that nurses’ competence is importantfor disaster preparedness.

(iii)

Regarding disaster response, 48 National Societies (57.2%) consider that nurses’
competence is important.

The highest number of the National Societies ticked that nurses’ competence is important to assist in
health and care in the community: 56 National Societies (66.7%).

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

No response
Not applicableNo
Yes

Fundamental
Disasterprinciples
preparedness

Disaster
response

Health & care

Figure 28. Distribution of nurses’ competence(4) Availability of nurses’ competence at HQ
Regarding the availability of nurses’ competence at National Headquarters, the question was asked
in relation to the four programmes: (i) promotion of the Movement’s principles, (ii) disaster
preparedness, (iii) disaster response and (iv) health and care in the community.
Affirmative replies were given for these four programmes by 45 to 55% of the National Societies, as
shown in Figures 32-35.
(5) Availability of nurses’ competence at district/branch/chapter level
The results show that the availability of nurses’ competence in the four programmes at
district/branch/chapter level is a little less than at National Headquarters, as shown in Figures 29~32.

30

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

No response
Not applicable
No
Yes

NHQs

District/Branch/Chapter

Figure 29. Availability of nurses’ competence at National Headquarters and District/Branch/Chapter
for promotion of the Movement’s principles
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

No response
Not applicable
No
Yes

NHQs

District/Branch/Chapter

Figure 30. Availability of nurses’ competence at National Headquarters and District/Branch/Chapter
for disaster preparedness
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

No response
Not applicable
No
Yes

NHQs

District/Branch/Chapter

Figure 31. Availability of nurses’ competence at National Headquarters and District/Branch/Chapter
for disaster response
31

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

No response
Not applicable
No
Yes

NHQs

District/Branch/Chapter

Figure 32. Availability of nurses’ competence at National Headquarters and District/Branch/Chapter
for health and care in the community32

IV. Discussion
In summary, the study shows that nurses’ competence is regarded as important by a majority (76%)
of the National Societies. More than 50% of the National Societies consider nurses’ competence tobe specifically important for the INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION’s four core areas: humanitarianvalues, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and health and care in the community. However, as
identified within the study, some National Societies do not consider nurses’ competence important inachieving their mission. Moreover, the survey demonstrates that there are approximately the same
number of nursing education institutions throughout the world today, as compared with 30 years ago.
However, at some institutions a higher level of education (up to PhD) is now offered
The current study has identified 17 National Societies with training institutions for nurses. Throughother sources (Partnership in Profile [10] and the 1979 survey) we have identified a further14
National Societies, giving a total of 31 National Societies that run nursing education institutions.
Although the number of nursing institutions within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement isimpressively high, links with the Movement’s activities are not clearly visible. For example, to oursurprise, the study shows that only about half of the responding National Societies report that they
have a nurse working at headquarters level. This result is surprising, as the nursing profession isstrongly based on humanitarian values [12], and nurses are also trained to coordinate and lead healthand care in the community, disaster preparedness and disaster response. Several Red Cross/Red
Crescent nursing institutions, such as those in Japan and Sweden, have a long tradition and were
established to assist primarily in the response to local and global vulnerability during an era of great
humanitarian need. The fact that these institutions are still active today might reflect that they
provide something in addition to that offered by private and government-funded nursing institutions.
Results from this study, compared with the data from 1979, indicate that the trend among Red
Cross/Red Crescent nursing institutions is towards providing a more specialized level of educationand training.
A large proportion of nursing students at these institutions receive training in the Movement’s
history, the Geneva conventions, and participate in activities within their National Society. This
could be an indication that there is a well functioning link between the National Societies and thetraining institutions.
Red Cross and Red Crescent nurses are also active in providing health education to the generalpublic. The current study indicates that first aid posts and teams are a core activity within the
National Societies responding to this survey. First aid posts/first aid teams are run by 56 National
Societies (70.9%) in the 1979 survey, compared with 68 National Societies (81.0%) in 2009. As firstaid seems to be an important activity within the National Societies to reach out to those who aremost vulnerable, the commitment of volunteers is crucial. However, according to the study, nurses as
a professional group take an active part in training both volunteers and/or trainers.
The current study indicates that Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing activities in the community are
directed towards elderly and disabled people. These activities have increased since the 1979 survey,
most probably due to demographic changes in many countries [13] as well global programmes
launched by the WHO [14].
National Societies’ training courses towards the general population are mostly provided in the fieldof first aid and HIV/AIDS, as the latter is one of the major global health threats [15].
About one third of the National Societies have nurses engaged in disaster preparedness and relief
activities. In the study it can be observed that 38% of the National Societies in the 1979 survey and33.3% in the 2009 survey replied that they have a training programme for disaster relief action
where nurses participate (There is no statistical difference between the two surveys). Considering the33

increasing number, types and size of disasters that are emerging and re-emerging (ref), it issurprising to find that there are still so few National Societies which are involved. In providing
training courses in disaster relief for nurses on a national level, National Societies could have an
impact on people’s health, especially in areas which are weak in terms of health resources, andwhere nurses may be the only professional health workers. As mentioned earlier, nurses are alsofrequently involved in the training of trainers and volunteers. Investing in further training of nurses
in the field of disaster relief could have an added value in terms of knowledge-sharing to othergroups within the National Society, as well as on a larger scale to civil society.
This study provides data showing that the number of National Societies running hospitals decreased
from 22 (28%) in 1979 to 18 (21%) in 2009. The fact that National Societies withdraw from running
hospitals is not surprising; it rather indicates the responsiveness of National Societies to the primary
health care strategy (initiated by the Alma Ata declaration) [8] and further in the International
Federation’s Health and Care policy[2].
The Federation’s mission as described in Strategy 2010 [3] was “to improve the lives of vulnerable
people by mobilizing the power of humanity”, focusing on the following core areas: promotion of
the Movement’s fundamental principles and humanitarian values; disaster response; disaster
preparedness; and health and care in the community. Data from the current study show that a large
proportion (76%) of the National Societies consider that nurses’ specific competence is important toachieve this mission. More than 50% of the National Societies agree that nurses’ competence isimportant and contributes to the work within the four core areas. However, there is room for
improvement; 67% of the National Societies considered nurses important in the core area of healthand care in the community. Involving more nurses in the Federation’s health and care work, both ona strategic and an operational level, might further help the Federation in its mission to save lives andchange minds [16].

Methodological discussion
Despite repeated reminders, we were regrettably unable to achieve a response rate of 50%. Due tothe low response rate, the results must therefore be interpreted with caution.
Compared with the 1979 survey, the 2009 response rate for the so-called well-established National
Societies is low; in fact, no replies were received to the 2009 survey as compared with over 30
National Societies responding to the 1979 survey. It is worthy of note that some National Societies
did not reply, even though they are obviously running nursing education institutions.

34

V. Concluding remarks and recommendations for future work
As stated in Strategy 2020 [16] the Federation should seek better ways of “working together so that
all our capacities are deployed to best effect in expanding our services to the most needy andvulnerable people” (p. 8). It is clear that nurses’ competence will contribute to achieving all threestrategic aims of Strategy 2020, as shown in the following examples: Nurses around the world are in a good position to respond to disasters and crises and tocontribute towards reduced deaths as consequences of disasters and crises (Aim 1).
 Nurses are trained to promote good personal and community health (Aim 2).
 Nurses can contribute to social inclusion through their community health work and work
towards integration of disadvantaged people into their communities (Aim 3).
Nursing institutions within the Federation must be recognized as an important part of the Red Cross
and Red Crescent Movement, as they can provide guidance and expertise in the field of health careand research, both at national and international level. Nursing institutions within the International
Federation are in a unique position to give an added value to the nurses they are educating: As nurses are active, visible and respected in civil society, they hold an important role inrecognizing vulnerability as well as providing a voice for vulnerable people.
 Nurses also constitute an important profession that will assist within their National Societies
in terms of providing education and guidance to volunteers and informal care givers inhealth and care work.
 Nursing is an important profession in terms of advocacy work.
 The International Federation should automatically provide nursing institutions withmaterials and publications, by inclusion of the libraries of these institutions and some of
their individuals on their mailing list.
 The International Federation should encourage the Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing
institutions to build a partnership network by further facilitating an in-depth survey focusing
on Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing education institutions, and supporting the organizationof an international meeting during 2011.
Nurses educated at Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing institutions and tutors should be utilized ininternational operations. Nurses trained in RC/RC nursing institutions should be in a better position
to respond to vulnerability according to the Movement’s fundamental principles. By participating ininternational operations, tutors will bring back important knowledge and experience to their nursing
institutions which will be internalized in the future education of nurses. The experience andknowledge gained will also contribute to a quality assurance of nursing/health education provided by
Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing institutions. This will also contribute towards partnerships andcollaboration within and outside the Movement.
The International Federation should continue to collect data from National Societies that will beavailable and utilized by researchers, especially at Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing institutions.
National Societies should be informed about the importance of contributing with data deriving fromtheir own societies and activities. On the other hand, the International Federation Secretariat should
give feedback to National Societies on research that has been undertaken within the Movement andhow this research can be used to further direct programme development.
Finally, to strengthen nursing health and care there is a need for a focal point within the International
Federation to facilitate collaboration between National Societies that run training institutions fornurses.
.

35

VI. References[1] Moorehead S. Dunant´s dream: War, Switzerland and the history of the Red Cross. London:
Harper Collins Publisher, 1998.
[2] International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The global health and carestrategy 2006-2010. Geneva: International Federation, 2006.
[3] International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Strategy 2010: To improve thelives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. Geneva: International
Federation, 1999.
[4] International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In support of Millennium
Development Goals: Activities of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red CrescentSocieties. Geneva: International Federation, 2006
[5] United Nations. The Millennium Development Goals Report 2009. United Nations Departmentof Economic and Social Affairs: New York, 2009.
[6] Anyangwe SM, Mtonga C. Inequities in the global health workforce: the greatest impediment tohealth in sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2007; 4: 93-100.
[7] Klopper H. Poverty and development: Pulling forces and the challenge for nursing in Africa.
Nursing and Health Sciences 2007; 9:295-303.
[8] Walley J, Lawn JE, Tinker A, de Francisco A, ChopraM, Rudan I, Bhutta ZA, Black RE. Primary
health care: making Alma-Ata a reality. Lancet 2008; 13:1001-7[9] World Medical Association of Helsinki, Ethical principles for medical research involving humansubjects. Retrieved on April 19th, 2010, fromhttp://www.wma.net/en/30publications/10policies/b3/17c.pdf[10] International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Partnership in profile
2002-2003: a compilation of information on national societies. Geneva: International
Federation, 2002.
[11] United Nations Development Programme. Statistics of the Human Development Report.
Retrieved on April 19th, 2010 from http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/[12] International Council of Nurses. The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses. Geneva: ICN, 2006.
[13] United Nations Population Fund. State of world population 2009: facing a changing world:
women, population and climate. New York; UNFPA, 2009.
[14] World Health Organization. WHO global network of age-friendly cities. Geneva; WHO, 2009.
[15] World Health Organization. Towards Universal Access: Scaling up priority HIV/AIDS
interventions in the health sector. Progress report 2009. Geneva; WHO, 2009.
[16] International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Strategy 2020: Saving lives
changing Minds. Geneva: International Federation, 2010.

36

Annex 1: Number of staff members and nurses at the National Headquarters 7
National Society
United States of America
Thailand 8
Spain
Japan
India
The Philippines
Switzerland
Egypt
NorwayMyanmar
Australia
Kenya
Nepal
Indonesia
FinlandSwedenBelgium
EcuadorCambodia
Denmark
Vietnam
Bulgaria
Swaziland
RwandaRepublic of Korea
Croatia
Lao People’s Democratic RepublicSingapore
Mongolia
Hungary
Cameroon
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Georgia
Belarus
Armenia
Iceland
Lesotho

No. ofNo. ofstaff atnurses at
HQs
HQs
2,508
10
1,693
59
550
10
450
8
375
1
247
12
242
0
236
16
232
0
228
1
200
1
200
30
182
3
155
2
153
9
150
5
150
0
150
0
146
N.A.
140
0
116
0
105
0
94
3
78
3
64
0
62
2
61
0
61
0
50
0
48
0
45
7
40
8
40
0
39
0
33
1
32
1
30
2
26
1

7

Some National Societies (e.g. Canada) did not fill in this column. It seems that some National Societies (e.g. Iran)indicated the number of staff members at the department responsible for health and care, but not the NHQs.
8 As for the Thai Red Cross, it was reported that the total number of 7,444 staff members including 1,708 nurses areworking at the National Headquarters, but through our correspondence it was understood that the number of staff
members working in their two hospitals and the National Blood Centre is included in these figures.

37

ChileGhana
Fiji
Slovakia
Afghanistan
Gabon
Germany9
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tonga
Bolivia
Lithuania
Pakistan
Sao Tome Principe
Cook Islands
Samoa
Mauritius
Honduras
BurundiLiberia
Sierra Leone

25
24
23
21
14
14
13
13
13
12
12
11
11
8
8
8
7
5
5
3

9

1
1
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
5
3
1
1
3
2
0
1
5
2
3

Germany’s response was made by the Association of German Red Cross Nursing Societies, but not by the National
Headquarters

38

Annex 2:

Number of nurses engaged in RC/RC programmes

National Society

ThailandGermany
Chile
BurundiEgypt
United States of America
Switzerland
Spain
FinlandJapan
The Philippines
Turkmenistan
Antigua and Barbuda
SwedenCameroon
Liberia
Republic of Korea
Bangladesh
Uzbekistan
Belarus
Albania
CanadaPakistan

No. ofnursesengaged in
RC/RC
programmes
at HQs
59
34
20
17
16
15
14
10
9
8
8
8
6
5
5
5
3
3
1

Afghanistan
Lithuania
Belgium
Iran
Sierra Leone
Armenia
Mongolia
Croatia
Tajikistan
Lao People’s Democratic.
Republic
Iceland
Democratic Republic ofCongo
GuyanaNo. of nurses
No. of nurses No. of nurses thatengaged in worked as staff
worked as
RC/RC
in RC/RC
volunteers inprogrammes activities during RC/RC activities
at regional
2008
during 2008
level
548
21,00014,000
221
221
18
14
379
25
20,00020,000
310
280
28
40
32,00032,000
39
38
52
39
13
8
4
4
25
20
1
6
3
1,148
3
703
450
186
186
50
125
125
100
100
90
90
500
82
82
-

3

24

1
3
1

13
14
10
32
50
13
1

2
2

4

39

22

33
544
450
52
41
32
30
13

2

1

2
4

6

7

2
2

48
8
11
17
9

6

Annex 3: Mapping table

40

Annex 4: List of National Societies which responded to the 1979 and 2009 surveys

No.

Admission

Admissionto the IFRC

to the IFRC

Response to

before 1979

after 1980

1979 Survey 2009 Survey

Response toEurope and Central Asia
1 Albania

XX

2 Andorra

X

X

3 Armenia

XX

4 Austria

XX

5 Azerbaijan

X

6 Belarus

X

7 BelgiumX

8 Bosnia and Herzegovina

X
X

X

9 Bulgaria

X

X
X

10 Croatia

X

11 Czech Republic

X

X

X

13 Estonia

X

14 Finland

X

X

15 France

X

X

X

X

X

18 Greece

XX

19 Hungary

XX

20 IcelandX

21 IrelandX

22 ItalyX

24 Kyrgyzstan

X

27 Lithuania

X

28 Luxembourg

XXX

29 Former Yugoslav Rep. of Macedonia

X

30 Malta

X
41

X

X
X

X

X

X

23 Kazakhstan

26 Liechtenstein

X

X

17 Germany

X

X
X

X

25 Latvia

XX

12 Denmark

16 Georgia

X

No.

Admission

Admissionto the IFRC

to the IFRC

Response to

before 1979

after 1980

1979 Survey 2009 Survey

31 Moldova

Response toX

32 Monaco

X

33 Montenegro

X
X

34 Netherlands

XX

35 Norway

X

X

36 Poland

X

X

37 Portugal

XX

38 Romania

XX

39 Russia Federation

X

40 Republic of San Marino

X

41 Serbia

X

42 Slovakia

X

43 Slovenia

X

X

X

44 Spain

X

X

X

45 Sweden

X

X

X

46 Switzerland

X

47 Tajikistan

X
X

48 Turkey

X

X

49 Turkmenistan

X

50 UkraineX

51 United Kingdom

X

52 Uzbekistan

X

X

X
X

X

MENA
53 Algeria

X

54 Bahrain

X

55 Egypt

XX

56 Iran

X

X

57 IraqX

58 IsraelX

59 JordanX

60 Kuwait

X

42

No.

Admission

Admissionto the IFRC

to the IFRC

Response to

before 1979

after 1980

1979 Survey 2009 Survey

61 Lebanon

X

X

62 Libya

X

X

63 Morocco

X

X

64 PalestineＸ

65 QatarＸ

66 Saudi Arabia

X

67 Syria

X

X

68 Tunisia

X

X

69 United Arab Emirates

Ｘ

70 Yemen

Ｘ

Response to

X

Asia and Pacific
71 Afganistan

X

X

X

72 Australia

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

73 Bangladesh

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

74 Cambodia

Ｘ

X

75 China

Ｘ

X
Ｘ

76 TimorX

77 Fiji

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

78 India

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

79 Indonesia

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

80 Japan

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

81 The Republic of Korea

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

82 Lao People's Democratic Republic

Ｘ

83 Malaysia

Ｘ

Ｘ

84 Mongolia

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

85 NepalＸ

Ｘ

X

86 New Zealand

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

87 Pakistan

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

88 The Philippines

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

89 Singapore

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

90 Sri Lanka

Ｘ

43

X

X

No.

Admission

Admissionto the IFRC

to the IFRC

Response to

before 1979

after 1980

1979 Survey 2009 Survey

Response to

91 Thailand

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

92 Viet Nam

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

93 BruneiＸ

94 Cook Islands

Ｘ

95 Democ. People's Republic of Korea

X

X

X

96 Kiribati

Ｘ

97 Federated States of Micronesia

ＸＸ

98 Myanmar

X
Ｘ

Ｘ

99 PalauＸ

100 Papua New Guinea

X
X

Ｘ

101 Samoa

Ｘ

102 Solomon Islands

Ｘ

103 Tonga

Ｘ

104 Vanuatu

Ｘ

X

X

Americas105 United States of America

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

106 Canada

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

107 Mexico

Ｘ

Ｘ

108 Venezuela

Ｘ

109 Uruguay

ＸＸ

110 Peru

ＸＸ

111 Paraguay

Ｘ

112 Ecuador

Ｘ

113 Colombia

Ｘ

114 Chile

Ｘ

X

Ｘ

Ｘ

X

115 Brazil

ＸＸ

116 Bolivia

Ｘ

Ｘ

117 Argentina

Ｘ

Ｘ

118 Costa RicaＸ

Ｘ

119 El-Salvador

Ｘ

Ｘ

120 Guatemala

Ｘ

Ｘ

44

X

X

No.

Admission

Admissionto the IFRC

to the IFRC

Response to

before 1979

after 1980

1979 Survey 2009 Survey

121 Honduras

Ｘ

122 Nicaragua

Ｘ

123 Panama

Ｘ

X
Ｘ
Ｘ

124 Antigua and Barbuda
Ｘ

125 Bahamas

Response to

XＸ

126 Barbados

Ｘ

127 Belize

Ｘ

X

Ｘ

128 Cuba

Ｘ

129 Dominica

XＸ

130 Dominican Republic
131 Grenada
132 GuyanaＸ

133 Haiti

Ｘ

134 Jamaica

Ｘ

135 St LuciaＸ

136 St Vincent and the Grenadines

Ｘ

137 St Kitts and Nevis

Ｘ

138 Suriname

X

Ｘ

X

Ｘ

X

Ｘ

X

Ｘ

139 Trinidad and Tobago
West and Central Africa
140 BeninＸ

141 Burkina Faso

Ｘ

142 CameroonＸ

143 Central Africa Republic

Ｘ

X

144 Republic of CongoＸ

X

145 ChadＸ

146 Cape VerdeＸ

147 Congo Democratic RepublicＸ

148 Cote d'Ivoire

Ｘ

X

149 Equatorial Guinea

Ｘ

150 Gabon

Ｘ

45

X

No.

Admission

Admissionto the IFRC

to the IFRC

Response to

before 1979

after 1980

1979 Survey 2009 Survey

151 Gambia

Ｘ

152 Ghana

Ｘ

Ｘ

153 Guinea

Ｘ

154 Guinea-Bissau

Ｘ

155 LiberiaＸ

156 MaliＸ

157 Mauritania

ＸＸ

158 Niger

Ｘ

Ｘ

159 Nigeria

Ｘ

Ｘ

161 Senegal

Ｘ

162 Sierra LeoneＸ

163 Togo

Ｘ

X

X

Ｘ

160 Sao Tome and Principe

Response to

X

X
Ｘ

Eastern AfricaＸ

164 Burundi

X

165 ComorosＸ

166 Djibouti

X

167 Ethopia

Ｘ

168 KenyaＸ

169 Madagascar

Ｘ

Ｘ

170 Rwanda

X

171 Seychelles

Ｘ

172 Somalia

Ｘ

173 SudanＸ

174 United Republic of Tanzania

Ｘ

175 Uganda

Ｘ

176 Mauritius

Ｘ

X
Ｘ

Ｘ
X
Ｘ

X

Southern Africa
Ｘ

177 Angola
178 Botswana

Ｘ

Ｘ

179 Lesotho

Ｘ

Ｘ

46

X

No.

Admission

Admissionto the IFRC

to the IFRC

Response to

before 1979

after 1980

1979 Survey 2009 Survey

Ｘ

180 Malawi

Ｘ

181 Mozambique

Ｘ

182 Namibia

Ｘ

183 South Africa

Ｘ

Ｘ

184 Swaziland

Ｘ

Ｘ

185 Zambia

Ｘ

Ｘ

186 Zimbabwe

X

47

Response toX

48

Annex 5: Questionnaire for the 2009 survey

49

50

Survey questionnaire Red Cross/Red Crescent Nursing(based on the 1979 version)I.

ADMINISTRATION - HQ LEVEL
a)

b)

c)

d)
e)
f)

Name of National Society :YesNoHave your National Society employed a nurse toadminister/plan its health/nursing activities? If YES, please
go to question d)
If the answer to the question above is NO, does your
National Society call on the service of a Nurse Advisor inplanning health/nursing activities?
Has your National Society employed a nurse to supervise
its health/nursing activities?
Has your National Society employed a nurse to evaluate its
health/nursing activities?
If YES to question d and/or e, please state who is the responsible nurse within your National
Society:

Name:

Title:Yesg)h)

Full-time?

i)Part-time?

j)No

Is she/he (the responsible nurse named above) working fora salary?

Is she/he (the responsible nurse) working as a volunteer?

k)

Full-time?

l)Part-time?

m) Number of hours per week employed:………..hours
Number:n)

How many members of staff are employed at Headquarters?

o)p)

How many members of staff are employed as nurses at Headquarters?
How many nurses are engaged in the Red Cross/Red Crescenthealth/nursing programmes at Headquarters?
In total, how many nurses are engaged in the Red Cross /Red Crescentprogrammes at regional and/or local level?

q)51

During 2008
r)

s)

t)

NumberWithin your country, how many
nurses worked as members ofstaff in RC/RC health/nursing
activities during 2008?
Within your country, how many
nurses worked as volunteers in
RC/RC health/nursing activities
during 2008?
How many nurses worked as
staff/volunteers in international
RC/RC health/nursing activities
abroad during 2008?

Kind of health activities

Not known

Not known

Not known

II.

TRAINING OF PROFESSIONAL NURSES AND AUXILIARY NURSING PERSONNELa)

Are there any Red Cross/Red CrescentNursing Colleges/University Colleges/ Schoolsof Nursing in your country?

b)

If YES, the following questions shall be answered, but if NO please continue to question m:c)

Auxiliary nursing personnel (such as nurses
aids)

d)
e)

Professional nurses (Registered Nurse, R.N.)
Specialized training (such as advanced
courses )Post basic training in administration andeducation

Yes

Yes

f)

No

No

Yes
g)

Is a course on Red Cross history included in the syllabus of all Red
Cross/Red Crescent Nursing Colleges/University Colleges/ Schools of
Nursing in your country?
h) Is a course on Red Cross principles included in the syllabus of all Red
Cross/Red Crescent Nursing Colleges/University Colleges/ Schools of
Nursing in your country?
i) Is a course on the Geneva Conventions included in the syllabus of all
Red Cross/Red Crescent Nursing Colleges/University Colleges/
Schools of Nursing in your country?
j) Is a course on RC/RC involvement in disaster management (disaster
response, disaster nursing) included in the syllabus of all Red
Cross/Red Crescent Nursing Colleges/University Colleges/ Schools of
Nursing in your country?
k) Is a course on the RC/RC involvement in armed conflict situation
included in the syllabus of all Red Cross/Red Crescent Nursing
Colleges/University Colleges/ Schools of Nursing in your country?
l) Are the nursing students participating in Red Cross/Red Crescentactivities during their educationm) If YES, please describe what kind of activities:

52

No

n)

Please give information about your Red Cross/Red Crescent Nursing Colleges/University
Colleges/ Schools of Nursing
Duration ofName of Diploma
Contact person (including full address,
Name of School
Training (years)
awardedphone, fax and e-mail) *)and Location*) This information is very much needed for future contacts, e.g. distributing a second survey to thoseNational Societies with RC/RC Nursing Colleges, University Colleges, Schools of Nursing, with the aim ofcreating a Red Cross/Red Crescent nursing network

o)

Yes

No

Yes

No

If your Society does not run any type of Red Cross/Red CrescentNursing Colleges/University Colleges/ Schools of Nursing, does yourSociety give assistance to non-Red Cross/Red Crescent Nursing
Colleges/University Colleges/ Schools of Nursing in your country?

p)

If YES, does your National Society provide any of the following:
RC/RC teaching aids such as books and materials on the Geneva
Conventionsq)Instructor/teacher on the Geneva Conventionsr)s)Instructor/teacher in first aid
Any others, please describe:

III. NURSING AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
A. Health and Education Programmesa) Does your National Society disseminate health education
programmes to the general public?
b) Does your National Society disseminate health education
programmes to professional nurses and health workers?
c) If YES, is there a nurse responsible for its organization anddevelopment?
d) Please indicate:
Name:
Title:

53

Yes

No

f)

Yes
Does your National Society train instructors (such as first-aid
instructors) to give health education?
If YES, please specify the area of specialization instructors are trained in:g)Please indicate the background of the trainers:e)Doctors

NursesParamedics

Non-medical personnel

Does your National Society provide training /courses in any of the areas
described belowh)Care of the sicki)Mother and baby carej)Care of the elderly and handicappedk)

Health education focusing on malarial)Health education focusing on HIV and AIDSm) Community healthn)

Emergency healtho)

TB-related health programmep)First aidq)

Community-based health / and primary health carer)

Psychosocial supports)t)Nutrition
Does your National Society provide other health education
courses (e.g. concerning family health, contagious diseases,
sexual education, accident prevention, etc.)u)

If YES, please indicate the kind of courses:

54

No

Yes

No

B. Institutions - Health Care / Welfare Activities
Number
Yes

No

Urban
Areas

Rural
Areas

Does your National Society run:a) Health centres (such as out-patient clinics,
mother and child health centres)b)

Nutrition and or feeding centresc)First aid posts / First aid teamsd)Hospitalse)Social Welfare Centresf)Child Welfare Centresg)

Welfare facilities for the elderlyh)Welfare facilities for people with disabilitiesi)

Other centresj)

If YES with regard to “other centres” (above), please indicate the field covered

IV. NURSING AND DISASTER SITUATIONS
Yes
a)

b)

No

Do you have a training programme for disaster relief action inwhich nurses participate? If YES please attach information on
this programme
Is a nurse a member of the committee in charge of disaster relief
preparedness (National Headquarters)?
Numberc)

During 2008, how many nurses from your National Society haveparticipated in international missions (in the field of
emergency/disaster response/cooperation and/or development
programmes)?

d)Please indicate the number of nurses deployed, country and duration of mission (months)

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V. NURSING AND BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS
Yes
Does your National Society run a bloodtransfusion programme?
If your Society has a blood transfusion programme (e.g.
full responsibility, blood transfusion centre, mobile unit,
donor recruitment, etc.) does it employ:No
If NO, please
continue directly tosection VIa)b)

Professional Nurse/Registered Nursec)d)Auxiliary nursing personnel
Volunteer nurses (volunteers not used in anursing capacity)
Is specific training given to the Professional/Registered Nurses working in blood transfusion
programmes?

e)f) All members of staff are trained on site?
Is your National Society involved in the following
activities:
g)
h)

Yes

No

Yes

No

How many?

Non-remunerable blood donor recruitment
Club 25 (Club 25 is a youthful RC/RC
concept, promoting the value of saving lives
by giving blood.)

VI. OTHER NURSING ACTIVITIESYesa)

Does your National Society conduct any other nursing activities
not mentioned in this questionnaire?

b)

If YES, please specify what kind of nursing activities:

56

No

VII. DOCUMENTATIONYesa)

Has your National Society published documentation covering
subjects relating to nursing?

b)

If YES, please specify: titles, author and year of the publications

VIII.

No

UTILIZATION OF NURSES’ COMPETENCE WITHIN THE NATIONAL SOCIETY
Yes

a)

Does your National Society consider the specific knowledge of nurses tobe of importance in achieving its mission?

b)

If YES, please indicate the degree of importance.

Very lowc)

Low

AverageHigh

No

Very highPlease state what best describes your National Society:

Nurses’competence
is important
within your
National
Society toassist in
Promotion oftheMovement’s
fundamental
principles
Disaster
preparedness

Yes

No

N.A*

Nurses’competence
is available
at HQ toassist in

Yes

No

Promotion oftheMovement’s
fundamental
principles
Disaster
preparedness

N.A*

Nurses’ competence
is available at
district/branch/chapter
level to assist in

Promotion of theMovement’s
fundamental principles

Disaster preparedness

Disaster
response

Disaster
response

Disaster response

Health andcare in thecommunity

Health andcare in thecommunity

Health and care in thecommunity*) Not applicable

57

Yes

No

N.A*

IX. OTHER COMMENTSa) If you have any other comments that you would like to share with us, please write them down.

Finally, we would like to thank you for taking time to respond to this questionnaire. Your input
will be of great importance in the work of describing the global picture of the Red Cross and
Red Crescent contribution to vulnerable people through nursing activities. When we havereceived all the answers we will make the analyses and make the data on Red Cross and
Red Crescent Nursing available to all National Societies.
If you have any questions or would like to comment or discuss issues related to thisquestionnaire, please do not hesitate to contact either of the following researchers:
Professor Hiroshi Higashiura
The Japanese Red Cross College ofNursing,
Tokyo, Japanh-higashiura@redcross.ac.jp

Professor Ann Gardulf
The Red Cross University College,
Stockholm, Sweden
Ann.gardulf@rkh.se

After completion, please send the questionnaire to:
The Red Cross University College in Sweden by fax: +46 8 587 516 90, or e-mailholk@rkh.se or by ordinary mail The Red Cross University College, Box 55676, SE-102 15
Stockholm, Sweden.

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