Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) says the 2020 World Humanitarian Day would honour frontline health workers who risk their lives to ensure that people have access to health services and medication during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chairman of NRCS, Lagos Branch, Mrs Adebola Kolawole, said that celebrating the frontline health workers who took risks during the COVID-19 pandemic was a worthwhile duty owned the volunteers.
“This year, we reflect on and appreciate heroes who are not restricted by their age, economy, religion, status and beliefs.
“Those who came out of their comfort zones risked their lives for others to survive. You are the real heroes,” she said.
Adebola praised the Youth Wing, Instructor’s Council, COVID-19 Intervention Committee, Emergency First Aid Team and voluntary blood donors of the Red Cross for their services.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2020 World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is ‘Real Life Heroes.’
WHO said: “The real-life heroes, including doctors and nurses, midwives and community volunteers,.”
Also, the UNAIDS commended community-led organisations who provided a lifeline to underserved, marginalised and hard-to-reach populations around the world.
The European Commission via its official Twitter, @EU_Commission, said it was essential that international humanitarian law was respected to protect those who provide humanitarian services.
“Saving lives should never cost lives,” it said.
According to Humanitarian Outcomes’ Aid Worker Security Database, major attacks against humanitarians last year surpassed all previous years on record.
It noted that about 483 relief workers were attacked, 125 killed, 234 wounded and 124 kidnapped in 277 separate incidents.
“This is an 18 per cent increase in the number of victims compared to 2018,” it claimed.
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