“Today, on World Health Day, our thoughts are with everyone around the world affected by the unprecedented health crisis we are experiencing. Our thoughts are with those suffering, the family and friends of those we have lost, and the many millions around the world whose lives have had to drastically change”, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said to mark the Day. “Today, as every day, our thoughts are also with the brave healthcare workers in the EU and around the world. I speak to you directly by saying that your tireless efforts during the coronavirus pandemic is inspiring and encouraging to us all”. According to the Commissioner, there are some 1.9 million doctors, 4.5 million nurses and midwives, and 4.1 million healthcare assistants working in the EU. “It is important that you, our healthcare workers, be protected from the risk of infection. By launching the EU joint procurements, we are supporting Member States in gaining access to more personal protective equipment for hand, body, eye and respiratory protection”. “In order to ramp up production of such equipment, we have adopted decisions on revised harmonised standards. This will help companies to manufacture the items without compromising on our health and safety standards, and especially without undue delays”.