Giving Thanks to Health Professionals and Nurses– COVID-19 My name is Carissa Etienne, and I am the Director of the Pan American Health Organization. As you see, I am speaking to you from home, using my computer, because we are under stay-at-home orders to stop the spread of COVID-19. If your city or locality is under similar orders, I urge you to do your part to comply fully and help save lives. Each year, World Health Day is observed on the 7th of April, in commemoration of the founding of the World Health Organization. The theme for 2020 is ¨Nurses and midwives: Leading the way to Universal Health¨ with the campaign slogan “Invest, Value, Trust, Respect”. With this theme we highlight the vital role being played by nurses and midwives in providing health care around the world. And within the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, I want to take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt appreciation for all that our nurses and health care teams are doing on the frontline in health services, and in the fight against COVID-19. Three months ago, the World Health Organization was alerted to an outbreak of acute respiratory syndrome, since designated as COVID-19. In this short period, the coronavirus has spread to almost every country in the world. There is a real risk now that our health systems will become overwhelmed if mitigating action is not taken - and with firm resolve! And there is a real risk that the most vulnerable people will be disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. Social distancing, mass testing and contact tracing, when combined with strategies to surge the capacity of our health services, have shown to be highly effective in combatting this virus. Equity and solidarity must guide our decisions, with a clear vision of Universal Health, - leaving no-one behind - even in these times of emergency. Mitigating actions are only possible when our health systems are resilient and with the continued commitment and dedication of our frontline healthcare workers. They are our greatest asset in maintaining the health and security of our populations! By standing side by side with them, providing them with the moral, technical and logistical support and resources that they need, we can overcome COVID-19 in the Americas. We must protect them as they work, so that they themselves can protect us! We must ‘Invest, Value, Trust and Respect’ the work they are doing during and beyond this public health emergency. This year World Health Day is a recognition of the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. In the midst of what should be a celebration of nursing, we acknowledge the enormous contribution of our nurses today in taking care of hundreds and thousands of people across the Americas. We have heard tragic stories of the nurses, doctors and other health professionals who have made the ultimate sacrifice carrying out their duties in this pandemic. Despite this, the spirit of service and selflessness endures as our health workers continue to care for patients, regardless of the personal risks. Their courage, dedication, care and compassion are being recognized by whole populations who are applauding them daily around the world. I urge all of us to continue in this spirit, to work with our nurses and health workers in these trying times, and to continue to extend to them our cooperation, our support, and our thanks for the wonderful and vital job that they are doing. Thank you, keep safe and be well.