Today, 7 April, marks World Health Day, where we celebrate the critical work of nurses, midwives and other medical professionals in keeping the world healthy, especially now with the Covid-19 outbreak.
The initiative was started by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This year, the organisation decided to pay tribute to the incredible contribution of all health workers, especially nurses and midwives.
WHO director, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Nurses and midwives are the backbone of every health system. They’re there from the first moments of life to the last.”
He added, “One of the lessons I hope the world learns from Covid-19 is that we must invest in health workers – not only to protect lives but also to protect livelihoods.”
It's #WorldHealthDay!
All over the world nurses, midwives and all health workers are fighting day and night to keep us safe from the #coronavirus!
Take a minute today to say: #ThanksHealthHeroes! pic.twitter.com/IBEEfHuzz7
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 7, 2020
Today is World Health Day, let's celebrate contributions from nurses and midwives.
Their contribution is essential in the #COVID19 response. THANK YOU. #SupportNursesAndMidwives #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/gYZjnt7UYO— WHO Thailand (@WHOThailand) April 7, 2020
The Queen of the United Kingdom sent a message to all healthcare professionals on behalf of the Royal Family:
Today, on #WorldHealthDay, The Queen has sent a message to healthcare professionals across the Commonwealth and around the world, on behalf of The Royal Family. ???????? pic.twitter.com/AL2N08qnjE
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 7, 2020
The South African Government has joined the World Health Organisation in celebrating nurses, midwives and health workers.
Today is #WorldHealthDay @WHO is honouring the Nurses and other health workers who are putting their own health at risk to protect the broader community at the forefront of #COVID19 response. #Day12OfLockdown pic.twitter.com/33vX35O9zo
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 7, 2020
Some South African organisations followed suit:
Happy #WorldHealthDay2020 from the Faculty of Humanities#UJ #Humanities #WorldHealthDay pic.twitter.com/qrK2K8nMPm
— HumanitiesUJ (@UjHumanities) April 7, 2020
Happy World Health Day#WorldHealthDay #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/HiBFaSkvJU
— Rosebank College (@RosebankRC) April 7, 2020
Celebrating our true heroes today! Recognizing the commitment, the passion, the dedication and the critical roles each of our healthcare workers play in our society. Today and every day, we salute you. Happy #WorldHealthDay! pic.twitter.com/JlLJYw9RwB
— Citiliner (@CitilinerRSA) April 7, 2020
With all you've given to the world, today we get to appreciate you We thank each and every healthcare professional out there for bringing hope and new life into our lives Without you, many of us wouldn't be here.
Thank you. #WorldHealthDay pic.twitter.com/s5Sx7eNBG0
— Wits RHI (@WitsRHI) April 7, 2020
Everything we are, everything we have and everything we will ever need, is only available to us if our planet is healthy.
Small actions make big changes so this #WorldHealthDay let's do our part and keep our one home healthy. #ForNatureForYou pic.twitter.com/BCz2Jz52pf
— WWF South Africa (@WWFSouthAfrica) April 7, 2019
WHO has urged people to tell their favourite stories of midwives and nurses using #ThanksHealthHeroes.
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