The presidents of all five international organisations that make up the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) have called for continued support for health and care workers in 2021 in a video message released today.

International Council of Nurses president Annette Kennedy, says: “As health professionals, most of us have been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us got ill ourselves, and there is a long list of health professionals who have died because they were assisting their patients.”

World Physiotherapy president, Emma Stokes, adds: “We got a lot of applause from our fellow citizens. We appreciated the recognition; however, what we urgently need is real support and, most importantly, action.”

The actions to take are described by the presidents, including FIP president Dominique Jordan, are to:

• Request lawmakers to better invest in healthcare, healthcare education and careers, and pandemic preparedness.
• Following government advice to avoid close contact with others, wash hands, wear a mask and ventilate rooms regularly.
• Get vaccinated.

In particular, Mr Jordan says: “Vaccines against COVID-19 are now available. Scientists and companies in many countries have worked day and night to provide safe and effective vaccines. You can protect yourself and your family, and support your community and the health professionals serving you, by getting vaccinated!”

This video message marks the start of the Year of the Health and Care Worker. Along with the World Dental Federation, the International Council of Nurses, World Physiotherapy and the World Medical Association, FIP is a founding member of the WHPA, which represents 34 million health professionals globally. It can be viewed here.