World Health Day 2020: Nurses and midwives - Leading the way to Universal Health
World Health Day ‒ 7 April 2020
INVEST - VALUE - RESPECT - TRUST
The Region of the Americas has some 9 million practitioners in the nursing profession, 4.5 million of whom are university-trained nurses, 87% of them women. Nurses and midwives account for more than 50% of the health workforce and are essential to the delivery of health services at the first level of care. The greatest challenges are adopting effective national and regional policies that include adequate investment to tackle the shortage of human resources, expand the role of nurses, and regulate and improve their working conditions.
Heroes on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response
Around the world, nurses and other healthcare professionals are on the frontlines of the global fight to slow the spread of COVID-19. Risking their own lives to save others, they inspire all of us with their heroic dedication and sacrifice. On World Health Day, April 7, let us cheer them together – with the promise that our gratitude will translate into the tangible support they need and deserve.
Opportunity
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,
Objectives
Stories from nurses and midwives across the Region of the Americas
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.
Communications Materials and Key Messages for Social Media
Campaign messages for government leaders and decision-makers
“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.”
Campaign messages for health service managers, health planners
“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”
Campaign messages for nurses, midwives, other health workers, patients
“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”
Campaign messages for educators, students, and parents
“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”
Recognition Certificate
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