“Healthcare workers have been more important than ever during the #COVID19 response. Today we celebrate them. #SupportNursesandMidwives #InternationalNursesDay
“In the #COVID19 response, nurses are: Working non-stop to provide quality care, Sharing health information, Implementing infection prevention and control, Serving in intensive care units, Ensuring routine services continue to be delivered #InternationalNursesDay”.
According to a publication on the official website of WHO on Monday to commemorate the day, the WHO wrote; “the World Health Organization (WHO) joins hundreds of partners worldwide to highlight the importance of nurses in the healthcare continuum and thank nurses for what they do. The theme for this year is “Nursing the World to Health”.
“Historically, as well as today, nurses are at the forefront of fighting epidemics and pandemics – providing high quality and respectful treatment and care. They are often the first and sometimes the only health professional that people see and the quality of their initial assessment, care and treatment is vital.
“Nurses account for more than half of all the world’s health workers, yet there is an urgent shortage of nurses worldwide with 5.9 million more nurses still needed, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the vital role nurses play. Without nurses and other health workers, we will not win the battle against outbreaks, we will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals or universal health coverage.”
The health agency also urged countries around the world to give Nurses more supports in terms of safety, mental health, and timely pay among other things.
“As we mark this, day, we urge countries to ensure:
- the occupational safety and health of nurses and all health workers, including notably, unhindered access to personal protective equipment so they can safely provide care and reduce infections in health care settings.
- nurses and all health care workers have access to mental health support, timely pay, sick leave and insurance; as well as access to the most up-to-date knowledge and guidance required to respond to all health needs, including outbreaks.
- nurses are given the financial support and other resources required to help respond to and control COVID-19 and future outbreaks
“In this year of the Nurse and the Midwife, now more than ever, it is essential that governments support and invest in their nurses. COVID19 reinforces the need for investment in nursing jobs, education, leadership,” WHO said.