Global health leaders urge G20 to act now on personal protective equipment

The World Medical Association has joined other health professions in appealing to the G20 heads of state and governments to take 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.

The Presidents of the World Health Professions Alliance, representing more than 31 million health professionals in more than 130 countries, warn in an open letter to the G20 that if it does not act now, more health professionals will die. They say that there is no room for ‘destructive competition between countries’. Only by acting in cooperation across borders will lives be saved.

They write: ‘Healthcare staff are understandably frightened both for themselves and their families and despite their courage and commitment, some may seek to leave the profession or take industrial action, at a time when we can least afford to lose them. Those that fall sick are unable to take care of their patients and in some countries the lack of testing means that it is not clear when they can return to work or if they are unknowingly carrying the virus’.

They urge G20 leaders to put geopolitics to one side and say there is no room for national egos.

Full WHPA letter available here.