Table 1.

The roles of a national paediatric association or society

To develop and maintain standards of paediatric clinical care and public health, according to the latest evidence. The Paediatric Society is the custodian of these treatment policies, and ensures they are kept up to date.

To provide technical advice to the Ministry of Health on all aspects of child health, including social, environmental, developmental, curative and preventative health. The advice should be based on evidence and professional experience and wisdom.

To provide advice to the community on important aspects of child health, for example through public awareness campaigns about breast-feeding, immunization, nutrition and school attendance

To link with institutions of training to provide input on health training curricula, so that nursing, under-graduate medical and other health worker courses reflect the national child health policies and guidelines

To develop continuing professional development for paediatricians and child health nurses to ensure the maintenance of professional skills, knowledge and standards

To be a collegiate society providing professional and personal peer support