130 Countries Promise to Protect and Invest in Health Care Workers

Members of a Community Health Nursing Team in Roseau, Dominica According to the World Health Organisation at least 115,000 health and care workers globally may have lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit: Alison Kentish/IPSBy Alison KentishUNITED NATIONS, Jun 23 2021 (IPS) One hundred and thirty countries have signed a statement recognising the efforts of health care workers, first responders and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic – “one of the greatest global challenges in the history of the United Nations”. The statement affirms their support for the World Health Organisation’s declaration of 2021 as the International Year of Health and Care Workers. On Tuesday, the nations launched their statement before the UN General Assembly. “Our appreciation for health and care workers cannot begin and end with the pandemic,” said Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly. “Each and every day, millions of nurses, midwives, doctors, researchers, emergency medical technicians and more, provide us with the support needed to live healthier lives. Whether in prevention or treatment, the entirety of our healthcare system is built upon the shoulders of the women and men who work tirelessly to provide us with relief in our times of need,” he said. The joint statement was proposed by the permanent missions of Brazil, Georgia, Japan, the Republic of South Africa, Thailand and Turkey. “We recognise the efforts mad...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Development & Aid Featured Headlines Health IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse Population Poverty & SDGs TerraViva United Nations first responders health care workers Source Type: news