World Health Day aims to spread awareness about the health issues on a global basis. Several programs are organized annually by the WHO and other health organizations for the same. This year, WHO has chosen to honor the work of nurses and midwives and remind people of the important role that they play in keeping the world healthy. They are constantly providing high quality and respectful treatment by staying at the forefront of COVID – 19 response. While most of us are quarantined in the comfort of our homes, these bravehearts are out on the battlefield with the deadly COVID – 19. As the first line of defence against the virus, the nurses and other health workers are working relentlessly to save our lives without bothering about their own.
In the past the WHO has played a leading role in several public health achievements, most notably the eradication of smallpox, the near-eradication of polio, and the development of an Ebola vaccine. Its current priorities include communicable diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, Ebola, malaria and tuberculosis; non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer; healthy diet, nutrition, and food security; occupational health; and substance abuse.
