Geneva • 15 January 2021
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 joint video message released today.
International Council of Nurses president Ms Annette Kennedy, said: “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 Dr Emma Stokes, added: “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.”
Actions for the public to take are described by the presidents, including International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) president Mr Dominique Jordan. These are to:
• Request lawmakers to better invest in health care, healthcare education and careers, and pandemic preparedness;
• Follow government advice to avoid close contact with others, wash hands, wear a mask and ventilate rooms regularly; and
• 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.”
The WHPA video message marks the start of the Year of the Health and Care Worker. The WHPA represents 34 million health professionals globally.
Notes for editors
Link The video can be viewed here.
PRESS CONTACT
Helen von Dadelszen
Manager of the Secretariat
World Health Professions Alliance
Email hvondadelszen@whpa.org
Tel +41 22 560 81 47
About WHPA
The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) is a unique alliance of The International Council of Nurses (ICN), the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the World Physiotherapy, FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) and the World Medical Association (WMA). The WHPA addresses global health issues striving to help deliver cost effective, quality health care worldwide. Together, the partners of the WHPA include more than 600 national member organisations, making WHPA the key point of global access to health care professionals within the five disciplines. www.whpa.org
About FIP The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through our 146 member organisations, we represent over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. Our vision is a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and pharmaceutical care. www.fip.org