Stop attacks on health care in Ukraine

“Today, we call for an immediate end to all attacks on health care in Ukraine. These horrific attacks are killing and causing serious injury to patients and healthcare professionals, destroying vital healthcare infrastructure and forcing thousands to give up access to healthcare services despite catastrophic needs.

“Attacking the most vulnerable – babies, children, pregnant women and those already suffering from illness and disease, and health workers who risk their lives to save lives – is an act of reckless cruelty.

“Since the beginning of the war, 31 attacks on health care through Ukraine have been documented WHO Health Care Attack Surveillance System (SSA). According to these reports, in 24 incidents health facilities were damaged or destroyed, while in five cases ambulances were damaged or destroyed. These attacks resulted in at least 12 deaths and 34 injuries, and affected access to and availability of basic health services. The WHO is checking further reports as attacks continue to be reported despite calls for health care.

“Attacks on health care and health workers directly affect people’s ability to access basic health services – especially women, children and other vulnerable groups. We have already seen the growing health needs of pregnant women, new mothers, younger children and the elderly within Ukraine, while access to services is severely limited by violence.

“For example, more than 4,300 births have taken place in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, and 80,000 Ukrainian women are expected to give birth in the next three months. Oxygen and medical supplies, including the treatment of complications in pregnancy, are dangerously low.
“Ukraine’s healthcare system is clearly under a lot of pressure and its collapse would be a disaster. Everything must be done to prevent this from happening.

“International humanitarian law and human rights law must be respected, and the protection of civilians must be our top priority.

“Humanitarian partners and health workers must be able to safely maintain and strengthen the provision of basic health services, including immunization against COVID-19 and polio, and the supply of life-saving medicines to civilians across Ukraine and refugees moving to neighboring countries. Health services should be systematically available at border crossings, including rapid care and referral of children and pregnant women. “It is crucial that humanitarian actors have safe and unhindered access to reach ALL civilians who need it wherever they are. UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO are working with partners to increase life-saving services and support to meet urgent health needs. We need to be able to safely deliver emergency medical supplies – including those needed for obstetric and neonatal care – to health centers, temporary facilities and underground shelters.

“Health care and services should be protected from all acts of violence and obstruction. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has already put tremendous pressure on health systems and health workers, such attacks could be even more devastating for the civilian population. Because of the health workers and all the people in Ukraine who need access to the life-saving services they provide, attacks on all health care and other civilian infrastructure must stop.

“Finally, we call for an immediate ceasefire, which includes unhindered access so that people in need can access humanitarian aid. A peaceful solution is possible to end the war in Ukraine. “

Signatures:

• UNICEF Catherine Russell, CEO
• UNFPA Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director
• WHO dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, General Manager