The World Health Organization was urgently coordinating emergency medical relief for Ukraine and its neighbours yesterday after the shock Russian invasion.
Thousands of people were reported to be heading for the country’s western borders – with neighbours such as Poland getting ready to play host to refugees.
The World Medical Association issued a statement “deploring” the “unprecedented aggression, ” calling for a speedy end to hostilities. It called on Russia to respect the neutrality of health care institutions and the work of doctors and nurses.
WHO’s European office warned: “Any further escalation could result in a humanitarian catastrophe in Europe, including a significant toll in terms of casualties as well as further damage to already fragile health systems.”
A statement said: “WHO/Europe is working closely with all UN partners in rapidly scaling up readiness to respond to the expected health emergency triggered by the conflict, protecting our staff, and minimising disruptions to the delivery of critical health care services.
“The right to health and access to services must always be protected, not least during times of crises. Health workers, hospitals and other facilities must never be a target and be allowed to continue to serve the health needs of communities. The protection of civilians is an obligation under international humanitarian law. “
WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last night that WHO has so far committed 3.5 million US dollars’ worth of humanitarian health support.
He said: “The World Health Organization is deeply concerned for the health of the people of Ukraine in the escalating crisis. The health system must continue to function to deliver essential care to people for all health issues, from COVID-19 to cancer, diabetes and tuberculosis, to mental health issues, especially for vulnerable groups such as older persons and migrants.
“Maximum care must be taken by all parties to ensure that health facilities, workers, patients, transport, and supplies are not targeted. As part of WHO’s role to document attacks on health, we will continue to monitor and report such incidents.
“I also call for sustained and safe access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. WHO has for decades worked closely with health authorities across Ukraine. We have a deep knowledge of the capacities and needs of the country’s health system.”
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