Since its inception at the first World Health Assembly in 1948, the 7th April every year has marked World Health Day, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO). The date commemorates the founding of WHO, and is an opportunity to create awareness of and draw worldwide attention to a theme of major importance to global health each year.

Over the last five decades, these commemorative days have shone a light on a number of priority global health issues, including mental health, maternity and childcare, food security and climate change.

This year’s World Health Day is to celebrate the work of nurses and midwives around the globe, highlighting the vital role they play in keeping the world healthy.

As the world responds to the COVID-19 crisis, they – and all health workers – are at the front line of the outbreak response: exposed to the risk of infection, working longer and longer hours, missing their families – for the sake of, and to protect, all of us.

Governments around the world are increasingly acknowledging that having adequate numbers of health workers will be critical to winning the battle against COVID-19.

In these unprecedented times, we are reminded, more than ever before, of their bravery, their sacrifice, and how crucial they are for future global health.

Health workers, this World Health Day is dedicated to YOU.

We appreciate you. We applaud you. And we thank you.

#thankyouhealthworkers #worldhealthday #stayhome