World Health Organisation director general, Dr Tedros Adhanom has urged countries to invest more in health workers.
Addressing delegates during this week’s media briefing on Covid – 19 on Wednesday, Dr Adhanom said 14% of global corona virus cases are among health workers.
“Crucially, we must invest in health and care workers.
“Globally, around 14% of COVID-19 cases reported to WHO are among health workers, and in some countries it’s as much as 35%.” He said.
On that note, WHO therefore launched a charter on health worker safety.
“Every day, health workers are exposed to stress, burnout, stigma, discrimination and even violence.
“That’s why this year, in the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, World Patient Safety Day – which we celebrate today – is dedicated to the safety of health workers.
“To mark the day, we are launching a charter on health worker safety, which we invite all countries, hospitals, clinics and partners to implement.” Dr Adhanom said.
Dr Adhanom says health workers should be given special considerations so as to keep everyone safe.
“No country, hospital or clinic can keep its patients safe unless it keeps its health workers safe.
Now more than ever, we have a duty to give health workers the safe working conditions, the training, the pay and the respect they deserve.” He said.
