Health facilities in the Ukraine continue to be subject to attacks – with the 100th and three others taking place yesterday, the World Health Organization has alleged.
WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke of his “outrage” at the continued attacks.
WHO last night said there had been 103 attacks with the loss of 73 lives and injury to 51 others.
89 of the attacks have been on buildings and 13 on ambulances and other health-related transport.
WHO European regional director Dr Hans Henri Kluge visited the west Ukrainian city of Lviv yesterday to mark World Health Day.
He said: “It’s a truly sad irony that we are recording this milestone of over 100 attacks on health in Ukraine on World Health Day. I have been personally struck by the resilience and fortitude of health care providers and indeed of the health system itself in Ukraine.”
Dr Tedros said: “We are outraged that attacks on health care are continuing. Attacks on health care are a violation of international humanitarian law. Peace is the only way forward. I again call on the Russian Federation to stop the war.”
The World Medical Association also condemned the attacks as its council met in Paris, France, stating that Russia’s political leadership and armed forces were responsible.
President Dr Heidi Stensmyren said: “It is vital that parties to the conflict respect relevant humanitarian law and do not target health institutions, workers and vehicles, or restrict the access of wounded persons and patients to healthcare and do not use health facilities as military quarters.
“We are also stressing that the parties to the conflict must strive to protect the most vulnerable populations and that access to medical care is guaranteed to all victims, civil or military, without distinction.
“Physicians and all other medical personnel, both Ukrainian and international, must not under any circumstances be hindered in the exercise of their unwavering duty, in accordance with international recommendations.”
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