World Health Day 2020 calls for worldwide support for nurses and midwives to remind world leaders of the critical role they play in keeping the world healthy.

To celebrate this day and International year of the Nurse and the Midwife, the World Health Organization (WHO) have released an embargoed launch of the first State of the World's Nursing Report in partnership with Nursing Now and the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

The State of the World's Nursing Report is first of its kind. It includes the current status of nursing around the world, regional and country data and a series of recommendations to strengthen the nursing and midwifery workforce.

It also sets the agenda for data collection, policy dialogue, research and advocacy as well as investment in the health workforce. This will play a vital role if we want to achieve global and national targets related to universal health coverage, maternal and child health, infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife

This year is particularly challenging as the world faces COVID-19. Many health workers including nurses and midwives are the frontline of the response ensuring that the most vulnerable have high quality treatment and care. World Health Day calls for your support and efforts to ensure that the nursing and midwifery workforces are strong enough to provide everyone with the healthcare they need.

Reforming Health Systems

In a mini-film produced by BBC Story Works and NCD Alliance, watch the story of Samira in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a community nurse for 9 years as she visits kindergartens, schools and youth centres to talk about the important of prevention, physical inactivity, harmful smoking and malnutrition. Her story highlights the crucial role of nurses in health promotion, disease prevention and providing and delivering care, including in community settings.

How to get involved in World Health Day 2020!

Today, take a moment to thank health workers and show them your appreciation. Share photos and videos of and from nurses and midwives, or other health workers, and patients explaining why their work is vital.

Tag @WHO and spread the vital message and join the social media campaign by using #SupportNursesAndMidwives and #COVID19.