April 7th marks the celebration of World Health Day — an annual World Health Organization (WHO) observance to focus on a current health issue that is being faced globally. This year has been proclaimed by the WHO as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
Given the difficult challenges that are currently being faced by nurses and midwives internationally as a result of COVID-19, we call everyone, both locally and globally, to shine a light on the incredibly courageous efforts these healthcare professionals are undertaking in response to the pandemic.
What is World Health Day and why is it important?
World Health Day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of a worldwide campaign to focus on a health challenge that is currently having a global impact. Each year, the WHO encourages us to spend a single day raising awareness and learning more about a global health concern.
Each year, the overarching message behind World Health Day is clear: healthcare access is a universal and fundamental right, regardless of nationality, location, religion or ethnicity. Nations that invest in proper healthcare measures are far more likely to see longer life expectancy, economic stability, patient safety, gender equality and emergency preparedness — including the protection from and response to epidemics and pandemics.
What is the 2020 World Health Day theme?
2020 is known as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. As such, the World Health Day theme this year is centred around celebrating the work of nurses and midwives, as well as highlighting the imperative role that they play in keeping citizens around the world healthy and safe.
Nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers are recognized as the lifeblood of healthcare systems and for making unparalleled contributions to healthcare sectors around the world. They are unique in that they work closely with their patients to provide treatment and care, as well as continuous communication and attention to their individual needs. They also work tirelessly with their patients at any given time of day, making them a major backbone in both the delivery of healthcare and conducting effective clinical studies.
Resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Celebrating the work of nurses and midwives also means highlighting the challenging and often compromising conditions they can face in their line of duty as healthcare workers. In 2020, our healthcare workers have been faced with the incomprehensible challenge of treating the throes of patients that have been filling hospital rooms as a result of this devastating disease.
Given that nurses and healthcare workers are currently in the front lines of the COVID-19 response, they are deserving of every bit of recognition and praise right now. Perhaps now more than ever, each and every one of us should take a moment to thank them for the difference they are making across the globe.
Spread the Word for #WorldHealthDay
We encourage everyone to spread the word for #WorldHealthDay and continue to thank our incredibly courageous healthcare professionals that are currently on the frontlines of an unprecedented event.
To learn more about how you can help spread the word for our dedicated healthcare workers this year, contact us or read more about World Health Day here.
From our team at gesund — please stay safe and well during this difficult time.
