1940 attacks on health care in Ukraine since the start of war

Geneva: On World Humanitarian Day today, the World Health Organization (WHO) reminded of a “grim milestone” of 1940 attacks on health care since February 24, 2022, following the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“This is the highest number WHO has ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency globally to date,” WHO stated citing its Country Office in Ukraine, which has been monitoring, verifying and reporting attacks on health care.

Noting “new patterns” in the progression of the attacks, WHO said for over 2.5 years now, 86% of all such attacks have impacted health facilities, with a significant proportion of such attacks involving heavy weapons. Moreover, WHO-verified attacks on health facilities have intensified significantly since December 2023 – occurring on a near-daily basis.

Access to health care for communities residing close to the frontlines has been largely constrained with increased risk of illness and death for populations living there as well as elsewhere. Since February 2022, on average, 200 ambulances per year have been damaged or destroyed in shelling attacks.

“In 2024, we are observing a lot of double-tap attacks,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. “Now we have more shelling of civilian infrastructure than before. We are losing colleagues – health-care workers, nurses, doctors, paramedics. This year, many more healthcare workers have also been injured than before. According to WHO data, first responders and health transportation are 3 times more likely to suffer harm from attacks compared to other healthcare personnel.” 

WHO’s data shows an increase in casualty rates. Last year, 24 deaths among health workers and patients were documented, but during the first 7.5 months of 2024, a total of 34 people died from attacks on health care. Furthermore, the level of injuries this year has not only exceeded the numbers reported in 2023 but also those of 2022, already amounting to 229 people. In sum, every fourth attack on health care this year has resulted in injuries. 

“We are witnessing a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of humanitarian law. The widespread attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure have made access to electricity, water and heating an urgent priority. This war is affecting every person across Ukraine – including healthcare professionals and providers – in diverse and profound ways,” noted Dr Emanuele Bruni, World Health Emergencies lead at the Country Office.

Also according to WHO-collated data, 42% of all attacks since 2022 have impacted primary health-care services. In 2024 so far, the greatest burden of injury and mortality has affected secondary care, with every fifth attack resulting in injury. For emergency medical care, every second attack results in injury. 

To meet continuous humanitarian needs, since the start of the full-scale war WHO has distributed about 3750 tonnes of medical supplies, including ambulances, medicines and generators, in various regions of the country.

“Since February 2022, we at WHO have reached 15 million people with health interventions nationwide. In 2024, we are focusing our primary efforts on the humanitarian needs of 3.4 million people. Along with the wider United Nations family and other partners, WHO complements efforts by the country’s authorities to maintain and develop health care where it is possible,” said Dr Habicht. “Further, while the war goes on, continuous funding is needed to address humanitarian needs. We are grateful to all donors who have been supporting WHO and our health partners all this while.”

The Ukrainian healthcare system continues to prove its resilience and remains functional in areas under government control. Despite the relentless attacks health authorities continue to respond quickly to needs and challenges. Where there are health needs, such as in frontline areas, humanitarian organizations also contribute to filling the gaps and improving access to medical care. WHO stressed that gaps must still be addressed to ensure universal access to essential healthcare services, especially in areas close to the frontline and among communities of internally displaced people.

“Ultimately, the health-care workforce of Ukraine are genuine heroes,” concluded Dr Habicht. “Despite ongoing attacks, despite all the challenges, they rise to the occasion time and again. On World Humanitarian Day and every day, we at WHO pay tribute to them – and vow to be their support, now and always.”

– global bihari bureau