World Health Day

Today is World Health Day, and this year, the theme is “Support Nurses and Midwives.” It is likely that everyone will be helped by a nurse or midwife at some point in their lives, so this is the perfect opportunity to take the time to thank the medical personnel in your life. 

World Health Day was first celebrated on April 7, 1950, making this the 70th anniversary of the holiday. It was established by the World Health Organization as a celebration of the anniversary of its founding. The holiday is celebrated by every WHO member country, so even though the current global health situation makes it difficult to hold traditional events, people all over the world are finding ways to celebrate. 

Each year, the WHO chooses a different health issue or cause to highlight, and this year it chose to shine the spotlight on some very important health professionals: nurses and midwives. Midwives are healthcare workers who help deliver babies and care for the mother and child in the time just before and after delivery. Midwives have similar responsibilities as nurses, but typically limit their practices to labor and delivery. However, in some countries, midwives are some of the first responders to disaster areas, where they take care of children and mothers who have been affected.¹ In some communities, midwives are the only health professionals available to help women through childbirth, so they must have the skills and tools needed to handle any situation that may arise. 

According to WHO data, nurses and midwives make up more than half of the national health workforce in many countries.² That means these are two essential professions that are needed all over the world. Of course, right now all medical personnel are essential, so they all deserve to be thanked. On this World Health Day, everyone is encouraged to give some extra thanks to all the medical personnel who are doing so much to treat coronavirus victims and stop its spread. Workers in the medical field always deserve recognition, but today is a special opportunity to stop and thank someone who is doing their part to heal and help others. If there is a nurse or midwife (or other healthcare worker) in your life, take some time today to show them some appreciation. 

In order to really support medical professionals, do your part to stop the spread of coronavirus. Stay at home, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and follow the recommendations of the CDC. Right now, keeping yourself healthy is the best way to support nurses, midwives, and all other medical professionals. 




² https://www.who.int/gho/health_workforce/nursing_midwifery_density/en/

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