Press Release - World Health Day 2020: Bravo Nurses and Midwives

World Health Day is a Campaign initiated in 1950 by World Health Organization (WHO), celebrated April 7th every year with the motive of promoting awareness about physical and mental health and give the necessary support. The main aim is to create awareness of a specific health theme, highlight area of priority for WHO so other Health Advocates and country can key in. This year is dedicated to nurses and midwives with an aim to remind world leaders of the critical role they play in keeping the world healthy.

Health is of paramount importance; a state of complete physical, mental and social well- being. Health, therefore, is a relationship between you and your body, so we must live in a balanced state through balanced diet and regular exercise. Still, many people take Health for granted. But, in life, some things should never be taken for granted.

\"Health is wealth,\" simply means, living a healthy spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional lifestyle, makes one the richest person in the world. COVID 19 is a very serious global health challenge; we must remain healthy following the preventive measures as directed by WHO and NCDC especially the Stay Home, Stay Safe. It is really painful that Nigerians are not taking it seriously despite the results recorded in other climes and are recording in Nigeria.

WHO is honouring Nurses and Health Workers who put their health at risk to protect the broader community at the forefront of COVID-19 response. “Nurses who are the unsung heroes of the Covid-19 response”, comprise more than two-thirds of the health workforce in the world and their invaluable role is testimony of their sacrifice, courage and commitment to a healthier and safer world in all settings. We join WHO at this opportunity to call attention of World Leaders to the work of Nurses and Midwives around the world as one of the most valuable resources of every country contributing immensely in delivering Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

OLPHI also join WHO advocacy for commitment and resources to strengthen nursing and midwifery workforce, improve their education and working conditions to enable them to work to their full potential.

In the face of COVID 19, OLPHI proposes the following to Federal and State Governments in Nigeria to

• Re-train all Health Workers in Primary Health Centres across the country as they are the first port of call in remote communities for sick people.


• Equip Primary Health Centres with Infrared Long Distance Thermometers so they can test their immediate community members to mitigate the spread of COVID 19 especially from returnees who are being hidden by their friends and family. These lies and deceit have exposed our Health Workforce to so much danger.


• Upgrade and Convert all PHCs or one major PHC per ward to emergency health facilities as part of our preparedness and not wait until we are overwhelmed.


• Mobilize Doctors and Health workers in private practice and prepare them for emergency service delivery.


• Palliative and Relief materials distribution across the country and states should be equitable without discrimination and Leaving No one Behind.


• Establish a COVID 19 Gender desk to take care of Violence Against Women, girls and children. This measure calls for synergy NGOs/CSOs that are GBV focused.

We enjoin us all with love to Stay Home & Stay Safe, Wash your hands with soap and water, though we know that some communities do not have access to water; use hand sanitizer, stay 2 meters away from other persons, cough and sneeze in your elbow or use tissue paper which must be disposed immediately after use, Stay away from those coughing and sneezing. Report any returnee from any COVID 19 prone country or state that does not want to submit to testing or self-isolation. Avoid touching your face with your hands. Avoid touching surfaces, Use face mask if you must go out, Avoid self-medication, and call NCDC hotline 080097000010 if you notice for sick persons around you. Master and control your temperament and actions. The life you save may be yours or that of your loved ones.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Initiative (OLPHI) is established to carry out advocacies on Health, Gender, Environment and Peace Building to hard-to-reach, disadvantaged and socially excluded vulnerable groups in our society. Our frame work is designed to meet our vision which is a world where everyone especially women, youths and children are empowered to utilize their full potentials to qualitative, rewarding and sustainable lives.

Signed: 

Loretta Ahuokpeme

Executive Director

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Initiative