The health system in Ukraine has not collapsed although attacks on it continue “unabated”, the World Health Organization has reported.
WHO said it was taking stock as yesterday marked six months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine – and also the country’s Independence Day.
According to WHO, it has verified 473 attacks on health facilities during the six months with at least 98 deaths and 134 injuries.
WHO has delivered 1,300 metric tonnes of medical supplies during the six months and coordinated 80 emergency medical teams together with training 9,000 health workers.
WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Six months of war have had a devastating impact on the health and lives of Ukraine’s people, but despite many challenges the health system has managed to survive and deliver care where and when it is needed most.
“Though shaken, the health system has not collapsed. WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to restore disrupted services, displaced health workers and destroyed infrastructure, which is essential not only for the health of Ukraine’s people, but for the country’s resilience and recovery. But no system can deliver optimum health to its people under the stress of war, which is why we continue to call on the Russian Federation to end this war.”
WHO European regional director Dr Hans Henri Kluge said: “Attacks on health care are unconscionable. Not only are these a violation of international humanitarian law, but they also kill and maim civilians and health-care providers, and severely hinder or prevent the delivery of, and access to, health care to those who need it the most.”
He added: “Amid the horror of war, we continue to witness the heroic efforts of health providers – including the many I’ve been privileged to meet in person myself – who are such a credit to their profession despite their own personal suffering.”
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