On the occasion of this World Health Day 2020, the WHO (World Health Organization) wishes to honor the contribution of nurses, midwives, other health workers who are at the frontlines of coronavirus response, putting their own health at risk to protect the community.

This is a great opportunity to highlight the great job of many health workers, nurses and caregivers who are putting themselves at risk. We remind also that 2020 is the International Year of Nurse and Midwife. It has never been so important like today, reminding how essential is the presence and the work of nurses and midwives who work in hospitals and in nursing homes. Especially in these weeks, in which the coronavirus is spreading throughout any corner of the world.

7 April, the World Health Day, and the International Year of Nurse and Midwife in times of Coronavirus

Comprising more than two-thirds of the health workforce in the WHO Western Pacific Region, nurses are critical in responding to health needs in all settings and across the lifespan. In the 2020 International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, the World Health Day is an opportunity to highlight the work of nursing and midwifery around the world, while celebrating this workforce as one of the most valuable resources of every country. Especially in these days that are so harsh because of the Coronavirus, we are evaluating how important is their work.

In times of coronavirus, being a nurse or a caregiver is very difficult and dangerous. More than ever. As COVID-19 disease can be transmitted through the airways, it means breath, absolutely important is the usage of masks and glasses. They are essential PPE for healthcare operators, but in the last weeks, they are almost impossible to find.

In many countries like Italy, Spain, the UK, France and many others the lack of PPE is making people even more vulnerable to this invisible enemy (Italian article). But the have to carry on, they must keep on working to assist people. This is their mission, which is causing them, unfortunately, a high risk.

Many of them, after being exposed to coronavirus patients got severely ill and died. In Italy, in particular, around 94 medics and 26 nurses already paid this condition with their life.

We are all in this together. Every continent, every nation. Coronavirus hit anyone. Nobody excluded. However, a positive aspect of this condition is that we could notice how strong is the health response of the world. Countries improved facilities, adopted adequate measures of prevention and, most of all, health workers demonstrated great courage and obstinacy. Let’s be proud of our health systems and its operators. Always.