Attacks on hospitals, ambulances and other health care facilities in Ukraine have increased rapidly in recent days and the country is running short of vital medical supplies, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
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The U.N. agency confirmed on Monday that at least nine people had died in 16 attacks on health care facilities since the start of a Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. It did not say who was responsible.
Catherine Smallwood, senior emergency officer for WHO Europe, added these attacks have led to at least nine deaths and 16 injuries.
“It should go without saying that health workers, hospitals and other medical facilities should never be targeted, even during crises and conflicts,” Europe regional director Hans Kluge said.
The UN body has also warned that Ukraine is running short of vital medical supplies but has “remarkably” maintained its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kluge said on Tuesday that the number of deaths due to the coronavirus would “sadly increase” due to oxygen shortages and broken supply lines.
The WHO has been working to provide Kyiv with oxygen, insulin, personal protective equipment, surgical items and blood products, he told the briefing.
Kluge stressed the importance of establishing “safe” corridors for humanitarian aid to reach those in need during the war.
“A second priority is to ensure that neighbouring countries have the infrastructure and expertise in place to meet the urgent health needs of those arriving,” he added.
MTO/ The Guardian
