Being a health worker is a selfless job. They leave their homes before sunrise and most of them are away from their families for a long time to fulfill their oaths- to serve and provide health care services to the people. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic once again showed the heroic efforts of the health workers as they serve as the front liners to keep the community and the world safe and healthy. To give honor of their heroic acts, first week of April is commemorated as World Health Worker’s week with the theme “Leaders on the line” to emphasize how health workers often put themselves on the line and at risk to save and improve lives.

Health workers are the country’s front liners in detecting, reporting and responding to emerging threats like COVID-19. The fast spread of the virus to people worldwide leads to the workforce of all health workers to fight against this pandemic. In the Philippines, there were 636 confirmed positive cases with 38 reported deaths as of March 25, 2020. It is devastating that within the 38 deaths, 9 of them were doctors who lost their lives while battling against COVID-19 and aside from this, some of the positive cases are front liners and most health workers are under investigation and monitoring since they were exposed to many COVID-19 patients. Despite the threat of the virus to their health and lives, health workers still continue in helping the Filipino people in securing the people’s health and safety.

Health workers are the heart of health of the people. They save lives by sacrificing and risking their own. As a citizen, the best way that everybody could give in support against this battle are to follow their orders and pray for the safety of all front liners and patients as they continue to combat COVID-19. Through the unity of everybody, this pandemic will soon be over.

From the National Nutrition Council Region IX, thank you to all health workers and front liners! Saludo po kami sa inyo!

NO I Angelica O. Pajulas