The International Collaboration for Community Health Nursing Research is delighted to congratulate Professor Gina Awoko Higginbottom, ICCHNR Co-Director on her appointment to the Health Equity Expert Reference Group for the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, convened by the Department of Health and Social Care and chaired by Baroness Amos.
This prestigious appointment recognises Professor Higginbottom’s internationally renowned leadership in advancing health equity, maternal and neonatal health, and culturally responsive healthcare research. A nurse, midwife, and health visitor by professional background, Professor Higginbottom has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for women, babies, and families through evidence-informed research, policy, and practice.
Professor Higginbottom is widely recognised for her pioneering work addressing ethnic inequities in maternity and neonatal care and for championing the voices and experiences of underserved communities within healthcare systems internationally.
She is also co-author and ethnicity and health advisor to the globally acclaimed research study examining the use of the Apgar score and other neonatal assessments, research that has challenged contemporary practice and contributed to the development of new guidance now being adopted across the UK and Europe.
In addition, Professor Higginbottom serves as a member of the NHS RHO Academic Reference Group and the Maternity Action Group, where she continues to contribute strategic expertise to national discussions focused on improving equity, safety, and outcomes in maternity and neonatal care.
As a respected scholar and international leader in community and public health nursing research, Professor Higginbottom’s appointment reflects her longstanding commitment to reducing inequities and strengthening safer, more equitable systems of care for all families.
ICCHNR warmly congratulates Professor Higginbottom on this outstanding and well-deserved achievement and looks forward to the important contribution she will make through this vital national initiative.
