WHO confirms 108 attacks on healthcare, 73 staff deaths in Ukraine

The World Health Organisation says it has recorded a total of 108 attacks on health care in Ukraine since the war started on February 24.

The WHO revealed that the attacks have claimed 73 lives, injured 51 persons and negatively impacted health facilities, transport and ambulances.

This was disclosed by the WHO Europe Spokesperson, Bhanu Bhatnagar, at the United Nations Geneva bi-weekly press briefing.

He said the global health body strongly condemned all attacks on healthcare, noting that it not only deprived people of vital health services but are also a violation of international humanitarian law

According to Bhatnagar, “As of yesterday, April 11, WHO has verified 108 incidents of attacks on health care in Ukraine.  This could be attacks on health facilities, personnel, transport, supplies, and warehouses.

“At least 73 people have died and 51 have been injured in the attacks.  We continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms all attacks on healthcare, which not only deprive people of vital health services, but are also a violation of international humanitarian law.

“Roughly 300 health facilities are in conflict areas and 1,000 health facilities are in changed areas of control, which leaves the health system vulnerable to infrastructural damage and severe disruptions in critical services.

Read Also: Cross River appeals to residents over delay in Waste evacuation

“This means there is limited or no access to medicines, health facilities, and health-care workers in some areas.”

He further noted that the healthcare system in the country has become vulnerable to infrastructural damages due to the attacks.

In spite of the attacks, WHO said it has pledged to provide 15 generators and 20 ambulances to the country to reach victims of attacks in various areas within Ukraine.

They are also assisting Ukraine’s Ministry of Health to set up field hospitals.

Bhatnagar said, “We are helping the Ministry of Health – through our Emergency Medical Teams – set up field hospitals where health infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed and are delivering a concept paper to provide guidance on how best to do this in a conflict setting.

“We are also working with national and international partners to establish mobile clinics that can provide basic primary healthcare services.  We are working to figure out where exactly these mobile clinics will operate.”

The WHO further revealed that it had delivered 216 metric tonnes of emergency and medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine since the start of the war.

Advertisement

Most Popular This Week

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More from Author

Advertisement

Read Now

What You Should Know About Diphtheria and how to prevent it

The Lagos State government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, which resulted in the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalization of 14 others. Authorities have identified 34 close contacts of the deceased and are monitoring them for symptoms of the bacterial...

How Ghanaian Youths Are Getting Addicted to Tramadol

Tramadol abuse has become a significant public health concern in Ghana, particularly among the youth. Originally intended as a prescription painkiller for moderate to severe pain, tramadol's misuse has escalated, leading to widespread addiction issues. This growing trend has raised alarms among health authorities, policymakers, and law...

Is Fasting Really Beneficial?

For centuries, fasting has been a common practice, often rooted in religious traditions and cultural rituals. However, in recent years, fasting has gained mainstream popularity for its supposed health benefits, from weight loss to increased lifespan. But is fasting truly beneficial, or is it just another health...