The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 13 attacks on health facilities in Iran since the onset of the ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict, highlighting a growing concern for healthcare delivery in the Middle East due to rising violence.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, shared this information via a statement on his X account, expressing his worries over the health implications of the war.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, displaced more than 100,000, and affected at least 16 nations in the region, according to Ghebreyesus.
He emphasized that the targeting of healthcare facilities contravenes international humanitarian law. WHO has documented 13 attacks in Iran and one in Lebanon, marking a serious violation of standards meant to protect civilian health infrastructure.
“Attacks on health care violate humanitarian law,” Ghebreyesus stated, urging all parties involved in the war to adhere to international legal statutes and safeguard hospitals, healthcare professionals, and patients.
The WHO leader cautioned that beyond immediate casualties, the warfare poses severe threats to the health systems within the region.
The ongoing fighting is disrupting healthcare services in multiple countries as the instability spreads throughout the Middle East. This disruption has significant impacts on the availability of medical care and essential humanitarian assistance.
Due to the escalating security situation, operations at WHO’s Logistics Hub for Global Health Emergencies in Dubai have been temporarily suspended. This logistics hub is crucial for dispatching emergency medical supplies, medications, and laboratory resources to countries facing health crises.
To address these challenges, WHO is collaborating with its country offices across impacted regions to monitor the conflict's effects on health service delivery and provide necessary support.
In light of growing concerns regarding the safety of healthcare workers responding to casualties, Ghebreyesus condemned the recent killing of three paramedics and injuries to six others while they were attempting to aid victims during explosions in southern Lebanon. He described these incidents as highly disturbing and warned that the continued attacks could lead to further casualties among healthcare workers.
“Medical professionals must be permitted to carry out their life-saving roles, especially in crisis situations when health services are in dire demand,” he highlighted.
WHO has called on all involved in the conflict to act with restraint and prioritize the protection of civilians and health services. Ghebreyesus reinforced that it is vital to uphold healthcare systems during times of conflict.
He stated, “I urge all parties to maintain respect for international law, ensuring the safety of healthcare facilities, professionals, and patients.” Ghebreyesus also reiterated his plea for peace, emphasizing that it is the most effective method to protect lives and mitigate further humanitarian suffering, asserting, “Peace is the best medicine. Only the brave opt for peace.”
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