2022-4-8

The Taiwan Nurses Association (TWNA) and the Saint Lucia Nurses Association (SLNA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on March 16 to boost nursing skills development. The initiative is part of efforts led by the International Council of Nursing (ICN) together with its 130 members to advocate for health for all. Both associations are ICN members.

The virtual signing ceremony was jointly hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs. The agreement was signed by Dr. Chen Ching-min, president of the TWNA, and Alicia Baptiste, president of SLNA. R.O.C. Ambassador Peter Chia-yen Chen and Saint Lucia Health Minister Moses Jean Baptiste witnessed the signing.

Elvie Wu, deputy director general of the Department of NGO International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “With the strong leadership of President Baptiste and President Dr. Chen, I’m confident that the two associations will translate this MOU from a commitment on paper to a reality in the lives of the people they serve.”
President Baptiste said, “The signing of this MOU serves to enhance partnership between the two parties in the areas of nursing education, professional training, and exchange areas of cooperation—to include participation in international conferences . . . and other opportunities.”

President Chen said, “TWNA is very strong in leadership training: we have two official journals, and every year we conduct research conferences.” The two associations have already begun cooperation. Nurses from Saint Lucia will go to Taiwan in July to attend an ICN Leadership for Change program sponsored by TWNA.

President Chen thanked both governments for their support in helping the associations work on capacity building of nurses, enhancement of academic achievements, and research outcomes. The MOU will contribute to ensuring the right to health for the people of both countries.