International Year of Health and Care Workers 2021

The 73^rd World Health Assembly, through its decision to strengthen Code implementation and to designate 2021 as the YHCWs reflects a collective vision on the health and care workforce. During the 73rd World Health Assembly, Member States spoke to the critical role of health and care workers in ensuring individuals’ and communities’ health and well-being. Member States emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated why all health and care workers are critical to health emergency responses and for health system preparedness and resilience.

Investing in health and care workers – their education, well-being and fair remuneration

Health employment acts as a boost to the economy and a multiplier of economic growth, which means that investing in the health and care workforce benefits the whole of society. The International Year of Health and Care Workers 2021 is an opportunity to draw attention to the need for greater investments in health and care workforce readiness, education and learning to manage the pandemic and its consequences and to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine.

Investments in education, continuing professional development, well-being and occupational safety in all of these areas are important preconditions for retaining and attracting health and care professionals. Without making health and care work a desirable and supported career path, countries will struggle to attract newcomers, including in rural areas, or to progress towards universal health coverage and stronger, more resilient health systems.

Health and care workers deserve concrete action

Beyond offering praise and applause, the YHCW aims to energize countries to collaboratively tackle persistent health and care worker challenges.

The health and well-being of the health and care workforce have always been important, but are now even more vital. As societies grapple with the consequences of prolonged stress and pressure on health and care workers, it is important that Member States take concrete steps to address their needs.

Throughout the year, stakeholders are requested to show appreciation to the workforce dedicated to the health and care of others, and to advocate for concerted efforts to:

• improve their working conditions
• invest in their education
• expand their roles
• protect their health and well-being.

Source of info (Official Link)

• Global WHO announcement – 2021 designated as the International Year of Health and Care Workers
• 2021: International Year of Health and Care Workers