This year, International Nurses Day takes on special meaning for all of us working in public health. As the entire human race battles COVID-19, nurses around the world are playing a central role in the pandemic response—providing care and helping communities to stay well—and many have made the ultimate sacrifice and died fighting this novel coronavirus. Today is a special moment to recognize these heroes who walk among us—and for those who have passed on, to ensure that their memories are eternal.
Defeating this pandemic will only be possible if we prioritize the safety of the health care workers at the heart of the response. We must ensure that our nurses and other frontline health workers have adequate training, support, and personal protective equipment.
Nurses care for our loved ones at some of the most difficult times of their lives and in this difficult moment, we must do the same for them.
