WHO has designated 2021 the International Year of Health and Care Workers
WHO has designated 2021 the International Year of Health and Care Workers (YHCW) in recognition of their dedication to providing care during and despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has challenged health systems worldwide.
The EPF welcomes this decision that fully acknowledges the critical role of health and care workers in ensuring individuals’ and communities’ health and well-being.
Health and care workers include all those engaged in health services, public health and related areas, as well as those providing support to these activities. This varied category of workers encompasses health professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and physiotherapists, but also allied health professionals such as mental health workers, social care workers, occupational health workers, radiographers, laboratory workers and others.
During the 73rd World Health Assembly, Member States spoke to the critical role of health and care workers in ensuring individuals’ and communities’ health and well-being. Member States emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated why all health and care workers are critical to health emergency responses and for health system preparedness and resilience.
In her address to the World Health Assembly, Her Royal Highness Princess Muna of Jordan reminded that applause without action is no longer acceptable and urged member States to invest in health, health systems and in health and care workers. The 73rd World Health Assembly, through its decision designate 2021 as the YHCWs reflects a collective vision on the health and care workforce.
Reflecting immediately after the decision of the Assembly, Jim Campbell, Director of the Health Workforce Department in WHO headquarters, stated: “Today’s decision gives clear direction on consensus and the necessary actions on the health and care workforce. WHO urges all Member States, International Financing Institutions, Global Health Initiatives and partners to invest in health workforce readiness, education and learning to manage the pandemic, maintain health services and prepare for a COVID-19 vaccine”.
WHO has designated 2021 the International Year of Health and Care Workers
WHO has designated 2021 the International Year of Health and Care Workers (YHCW) in recognition of their dedication to providing care during and despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has challenged health systems worldwide.
The EPF welcomes this decision that fully acknowledges the critical role of health and care workers in ensuring individuals’ and communities’ health and well-being.