The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on health workers and has demonstrated dangerous neglect of their health, safety and well-being, warned the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in a new report this week.
The report stated that even before the pandemic more than one-in-three health facilities lack hygiene, while fewer than one-in-six countries had in place a national policy on a healthy and safe working environment in the health sector.
Health workers have suffered from infections, musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, workplace violence, burnout, and allergies from the poor working environment.
“Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the health sector was among the most hazardous sectors to work in,” said Dr Maria Neira, director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO.
“Sickness, absence and…