A sad record has been reached: the World Health Organization (WHO) announces 1,940 armed attacks (because cyberattacks should also be added to this) against the health system in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.
- 1,940 attacks: WHO has confirmed a record number of attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Ukraine since February 2022.
- Human impact: A sharp increase in deaths and injuries among healthcare workers and patients by 2024.
- Resilience: Despite continued attacks, Ukraine’s health system continues to function, supported by WHO and other humanitarian partners.
Monday, August 19, 2024on World Humanitarian Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm about a dramatic situation in Ukraine. Since February 24, 2022, the date of the start of the large-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, the WHO has recorded a total of 1,940 attacks on health infrastructure in the country. A chilling figure that marks a record never reached by any other humanitarian agency around the world.
Growing and blind violence
The war in Ukraine shows no sign of abating, and health infrastructure is on the front lines. Of the 1,940 attacks confirmed by WHO, 86% have directly targeted health facilities, many of which have been severely damaged by heavy weapons. Since December 2023, the frequency of these attacks has increased further, now occurring almost daily.
This escalation of violence has had dire consequences for populations living near combat zones. Access to health care has become extremely difficult, increasing the risk of illness and death, not only in these areas, but also in the rest of the country. Since February 2022, approximately 200 ambulances per year have been destroyed or damaged by bombings.
According to Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, “This year we are seeing an increase in double-strike attacks,” a cruel tactic of hitting a target, then hitting again when rescuers arrive on the scene. “We are losing colleagues – doctors, nurses, paramedics. In 2024, many more health care workers were injured than before.”
Devastating humanitarian consequences
Data collected by WHO reveals an alarming increase in the number of casualties among health workers and patients. In 2023, 24 deaths were recorded. In just seven and a half months of 2024, this number has climbed to 34. Moreover, the number of injured this year has not only exceeded the figures for 2023, but also those for 2022, already reaching 229 people.
Attacks affect all levels of care, with a particularly heavy impact on secondary and emergency care services. One in five attacks on secondary care resulted in injury, and for emergency care this figure rises to one in two attacks.
In response to this crisis, WHO continues to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance. Since the beginning of the war, it has distributed approximately 3,750 tonnes of medical supplies, including ambulances, medicines and generators, to different parts of the country. In 2024, WHO is focusing its efforts on the needs of 3.4 million people.
A resilient but under pressure health system
Despite these ongoing attacks, Ukraine’s health system has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In government-controlled areas, health authorities continue to respond quickly to needs, despite considerable challenges. Humanitarian organizations are complementing local efforts to ensure access to care, particularly in areas close to the front lines and for internally displaced populations.
Dr Habicht paid tribute to Ukrainian healthcare workers, who were described as “real heroes” for their dedication in the face of extremely difficult conditions. “Despite the relentless attacks, despite all the challenges, they rise to the occasion every time. On World Humanitarian Day, as every day, WHO pays tribute to them and commits to supporting them, today and always.”
(According to a WHO press release)
Political editorial: The urgency of concerted action in the face of inhumanity
By Dr. Jean-François Lemoine
The war in Ukraine has now crossed an unbearable threshold. With 1,940 attacks on health infrastructure recorded by the WHO, we are witnessing an escalation of barbarity that flouts the most fundamental principles of humanitarian law. By targeting hospitals, ambulances, and those who embody the hope of survival, this war is plunging Europe into a dark era where humanity itself is under attack.
The figures are chilling: every day, health professionals risk their lives to treat, to save, to maintain a very precarious glimmer of hope. But what is the international community doing? Simply denouncing these atrocities is no longer enough. It is time to act firmly and bring those responsible for these crimes to international justice.
This is no longer just a territorial conflict, but a systematic attack on human dignity. If we remain silent, we become complicit in this horror. Today, France, Europe, and the world must unite their voices and actions to put an end to this tragedy. History will judge us on our response to this desperate call.