Antonio Guterres, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General has lauded nurses and midwives for working round the clock and putting their lives at risk, to fight the ravages of the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

“My message today is to our healthcare workers – the nurses, midwives, technicians, paramedics, pharmacists, doctors, drivers, cleaners, administrators and many others, who work day and night to keep us safe,” a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra stated.

The Secretary-General said as 2020 was the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, it was necessary to recognise their specific expertise and commitment towards fighting the pandemic and protecting lives.

“We have all had a reason to give thanks for the care and professionalism of nurses and midwives. I know I do,” he said.

He noted that nurses shouldered some of the biggest healthcare burdens and performed difficult work while enduring long hours through risking injury, infection and the mental burden that accompanied such traumatic work.

Midwives, on the other hand, provided comfort at the beginning of life and during pandemic, and their work becomes more challenging as they bring newborns safely into the world.

“To the nurses and midwives of the world, we say thank you for your work. In these traumatic times, I say to all healthcare workers; we stand with you and we count on you.

“You make us proud; you inspire us and we are indebted to you. Thank you for the difference you are making, every day and everywhere.”