World Health Day 2020: Nurses and midwives - Leading the way to Universal Health
World Health Day (WHD), held every year on 7 April, marks one of the key activities of the “International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife,” designated by WHO at the 72nd World Health Assembly.
This year, WHD offers the countries of the Region of the Americas an opportunity to discuss nurses’ contribution to the health of populations,
The countries of the Region of the Americas are encouraged to share stories about nursing and midwifery that will help lower access barriers to health and promote the necessary investment in this profession.
“Universal health is a policy option and is possible”
“Nurses and midwives are key to achieving universal health. It is therefore essential to increase their numbers, listen to their voices, and facilitate their work”
“Investing in the nursing and midwifery workforce is cost-effective”
“It is important to make nursing and midwifery a more feasible and attractive option for young people.”
“Nurses and midwives are an essential part of interprofessional teams in the health services”
“We must respect them, listen to them, and improve their working conditions to increase retention and improve their performance”
“The work of nurses and midwives is indispensable for equitable, effective, and accessible comprehensive health services”
“We must listen to their voices and take full advantage of their skills, knowledge, and compassion”
“We all owe a debt of gratitude to these professionals for their important contributions to the health of populations”
“Being a nurse or midwife is a noble, recognized, and valued profession”
“Nursing and midwifery offer the opportunity for professional and personal satisfaction”
“All countries have training programs and fellowships for nurses; take advantage of them”