International Project　【Switzerland】
World Health Organization
Noriko Morioka　[D4]
(Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Social Medicine)

　
1. Overview of my internship
I was interning at Health Workforce Department at the headquarters of World Health Organization. As an intern, I engaged in drafting the information sheets regarding how nurse and midwives contribute to the important global health issues such as TB, Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Non Communicable Diseased, Maternal and Child Health, Adolescent Health, and so on. I conducted literature review and interview with technical officers in charge of above projects. My supervisor gave kind support and encouraged me in my tasks. In addition to these tasks, I joined lunchtime seminars held by other departments and the international conference of International Midwifery Council.
Also, I had opportunity to participate the meeting of Japanese Staff Association of International Organization in Geneva. I communicated with the Japanese experts who were working at the organizations of United Nations, such as WHO, ILO, UNDP, UNFPA and so on.
　

2. What I learned from the internship
Through the internship, I could see how to plan the global strategy to strength nursing and midwifery system and how to operate an international project team. This experience was extremely useful for my further research activity. I realized that the skill of coordination among lots of stakeholders was crucial to confirm the global strategy.
Furthermore, getting to know with other interns from all over the world opened wide perspectives in global health issues. Discussion with colleagues gave me actual situation of health system and current issues in other countries. It made me deeply understand toward global health workforce policies.
Finally, I leaned the competencies for working at the international organizations from my supervisor and other experts I had met. Leadership, capability to grip essential of issues, skills of communication, and the strength of spirit to overcome difficulties are crucial competencies.
　

3. Message for the future interns
I recommend you early preparation of your internship, because it took time to find and communicate with your supervisor and formally get accepted called Terms of Reference (TOR). Well communication with your supervisor will make your internship success.