Nurses are the 'Front Line' Answer to Tackling NCDs but Need Greater Support, Says Survey

VALLETTA, Malta, May 5, 2011 - Nurses want to lead in the global fight against the further
spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)[*] but workload and time
constraints are holding them back, according to a major new survey by the
International Council of Nurses (ICN) and Pfizer. Full results can be
accessed here www.icn.ch

- Fully 95% of the 1,600 nurses across eight countries that
were polled want to use their skills and time to educate individuals on the
threat and prevention of NCDs. However, they were also clear that this
prevention work would require time and resources they do not currently have.

- Nurses think they should be spending significantly more
time, almost twice the amount they currently are able to devote, on
preventing the development or escalation of NCDs. However, nearly all nurses
surveyed (95%) are experiencing daily time pressures that they almost
unanimously (98%) believe are having negative effects on patient health.

- Over one third of nurses surveyed reported that their
workload has worsened over the last five years.

"Nurses, in numbers exceeding 13 million worldwide, are the
front line answer to tackling NCDs," said David Benton, Chief Executive
Officer of ICN. "They want to enable individuals and communities to enhance
their wellness. We cannot afford to have nurses overloaded - if they are,
then they cannot take the time to counsel and educate, and that is clearly
counter-productive. With the globally escalating problems of NCD mortality
and morbidity and soaring costs, governments around the world should not miss
the opportunity to capitalize on the enthusiasm and expertise that nurses can
bring to addressing this global health crisis. We must provide maximum
support to nurses, so we unleash their power to fight these debilitating and
deadly diseases."

- Nurses think that, overall, governments are doing a good job
in beginning to address the NCD global crisis, with 85% of responses being
favorable. But they also believe that, with the right support, nurses can
make a huge difference in NCD prevention.

- More than one half of the nurses surveyed believe they can
have a great deal of influence on individuals and communities to take the
necessary steps to reduce the likelihood of developing NCDs.

- Nurses surveyed identified government (71%), nursing
associations (65%) and media (68%) as the top groups who can offer further
support, information and training to nurses so they can better address NCDs.

"Nurses are the healthcare professionals closest to patients
and they are sending us a clear message - if nurses get the resources and
time they need, they can arm people with the knowledge to help them make the
critical lifestyle changes that will ultimately help combat the NCD crisis
and improve global health" said Paula DeCola, RN MSc., from Pfizer External
Medical Affairs. "Four in ten nurses believe that lack of public
understanding is the biggest factor driving the spread of NCDs, more than
twice as many as chose the next leading factor. Nurses need to be afforded
the time and tools to get on with this urgent work."

The survey results support the rationale behind ICN and
Pfizer's 'Wellness Tree' awareness campaign being launched at the annual ICN
International Conference today, taking place in Malta. The Wellness Tree
highlights the context in which health and wellness can grow and is designed
to support nurses in taking action to prevent NCDs. Its simple yet vivid
representation visually portrays the three spheres that influence health: the
external environment which includes a 'vision of health' encouraging positive
decision-making; nursing interventions such as education and assessment; and
overall health policy. The tree branches represent daily healthy choices, and
the roots signify predetermined factors such as family history as well as
social and economic factors that can affect health.

During the conference, explanatory and educational material
such as banners, cards and pamphlets are being distributed to encourage
nurses to think about how they can empower themselves and others.

About the Survey

More information about the survey and the methodology can be
found at www.icn.ch

About the International Council of Nurses

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of
more than 130 national nurses associations representing the millions of
nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses and leading nursing internationally, ICN
works to ensure quality nursing care for all and sound health policies
globally.

Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world(TM)

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to
improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the
standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and
manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global
health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule
medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the
world's best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work
across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention,
treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.
Consistent with our responsibility as the world's leading biopharmaceutical
company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and
local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health
care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a
difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments,
please visit us at www.pfizer.com.

About APCO Insight(R)

APCO Insight, a global opinion research and strategic
communication consultancy, works with many of the world's leading companies,
associations, nonprofits and public-sector organizations on a diverse range
of communication, reputation and issue management challenges.

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[*] Non-communicable diseases include diabetes, some cancers,
cardiovascular disease and a variety of respiratory diseases such as asthma
and emphysema.

Linda Carrier-Walker, +41-22-908-0100, carrwalk at icn.ch, (ICN); Andrew Widger, +44(0)845-300-803, eupress at pfizer.com, (Pfizer); Chrystine Zacherau, +202-778-1029, czacherau at apcoworldwide.com (APCO Insight)