Open letter to G20 Heads of States and Governments

09.04.2020: Open letter to G20 Heads of States and Governments

publié le 11.04.2020

The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA), including the International Council of Nurses, has written an open letter to the G20 leaders calling for coordinated action to ensure the security of the supply chain of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all health professionals and healthcare workers on the frontline against COVID-19.

Annette Kennedy, President of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) said:

“It is time for political leaders to step up in the same way as health workers have been stepping up to provide care, at the risk of their own health and lives, to fight COVID-19. We need MULTILATERALISM and COOPERATION to ensure nurses and other frontline workers get the protection they need to continue to deliver essential care to patients in very difficult conditions.’

‘We urge G20 leaders to look to CREATIVE SOLUTIONS, including investing in MANUFACTURING IN MULTIPLE COUNTRIES to increase the supply of PPE. Manufacturers too have to reach out across borders and work together to solve the current PPE supply chain crisis.”

ICN CEO, Howard Catton said:

“G20 please do not self-isolate in your political leadership, applauding nurses is all well and good, but you are in a unique position to coordinate and ensure the proper manufacturer and distribution of PPE. You owe this to all the nurses and healthcare workers you rightly call heroes.”