Conflicts
WHO: Numerous attacks on emergency teams in Ukraine
A damaged ambulance with broken windows after a Russian attack in Odessa. photo
© Victor Sajenko/AP/dpa
According to the WHO, attacks on health workers in ambulances and during emergency operations are increasing in Ukraine. In the first quarter, 68 attacks were counted, twelve of which were on emergency services.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there have been numerous attacks on health workers in ambulances and other health transport in recent months.
“Many emergency teams come under fire either on the way to a mission or at their bases,” Halyna Saldan, head of the Center for Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine of the Kherson regional government, was quoted as saying in a WHO statement. This means that these helpers would have a significantly higher risk of being injured or killed than other health workers.
According to the WHO, 68 attacks on healthcare facilities were counted in the first quarter, of which twelve attacks targeted emergency services. Four helpers were injured and two were killed. “This is a frightening pattern,” said Emanuele Bruni, WHO incident manager in Ukraine. In January and March there was almost one attack per day, mostly using heavy weapons.
Call for the protection of health workers and patients
WHO reiterated its calls to protect health workers and patients. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, WHO has confirmed 1,682 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine, resulting in 128 deaths and 288 injuries to health workers and patients.
The WHO defines an attack on health care as any act of verbal or physical violence, obstruction or threat of violence that affects the availability, access and delivery of curative or preventive health services in emergencies.