Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) recently published an article in its February 2026 Newsletter highlighting ongoing efforts to improve perioperative safety and quality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The article, “Perioperative Safety and Quality in Low- and Middle-Income Countries,” recognizes the important role of international collaboration in strengthening anesthesia workforce capacity and patient safety worldwide.
Within the discussion of National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plans (NSOAPs), IFNA is acknowledged as a key global partner supporting workforce development and safe anesthesia care.
“National policy frameworks have emerged as crucial tools to address this gap, particularly through the development of National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plans (NSOAPs) and increased support from international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA), and the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA).”
— Ying Eva Lu-Boettcher, MD, FASA, and Kathryn Kelly Ann McQueen, MD, MPH, FASA, FISS. APSF Newsletter, February 2026
The article outlines persistent challenges in LMICs, including anesthesia workforce shortages, limited access to safety monitoring equipment, and barriers to surgical outcomes tracking. It also emphasizes the importance of coordinated global strategies, standardized training, and strengthened national policy frameworks to improve patient safety outcomes.
IFNA remains committed to advancing education standards, professional recognition, and workforce development for nurse anesthetists worldwide. Through collaboration with ministries of health, academic institutions, and global partners, IFNA continues to support efforts that expand access to safe anesthesia care and improve perioperative outcomes globally.
We are honored to be recognized alongside leading global health organizations in advancing this critical work.