Since the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine in February of last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has verified over 1000 attacks on healthcare facilities in the country. This is the highest number of attacks ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency, underscoring the grave danger and difficulty that Ukraine’s health system is currently facing.
These attacks, which have claimed at least 101 lives, including healthcare workers and patients, have not only hindered access to healthcare for tens of thousands of people but also increased the risk of illness and death. The attacks have severely impacted healthcare providers, supplies, facilities, and transport, including ambulances.
The WHO defines an attack on healthcare as any act of verbal or physical violence, obstruction, or threat of violence that interferes with the availability, access, and delivery of curative and preventive health services during emergencies. This encompasses a wide range of actions, from violence with heavy weapons to psychological threats and intimidation that affect the accessibility of healthcare for those in need.
Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, warned, “These attacks threaten the safety and well-being of health workers and undermine care for people living close to conflict areas.” Such attacks not only deprive people of needed care but also have long-term consequences, including the deterioration of health systems and significant psychological effects on patients and healthcare workers.
Despite these daunting challenges, the Ukrainian health system continues to operate, a testament to the heroic dedication of its healthcare workers. “Despite the challenges posed first by the COVID-19 pandemic and now well over a year of war, Ukraine’s health-care workers remain amazingly strong, brave and patient, day after day, saving lives and providing care to those in need,” said Dr Habicht.
The WHO continues to monitor and respond to health needs in the regions most affected by the fighting. Despite facing difficulties due to lack of security and structural damage, a high percentage of health facilities in these regions remain functional and accessible, although they operate only partially due to damage.
However, the relentless war has also indirectly impacted the capacity of the health system overall, with attacks on other civilian infrastructure. Significant challenges have been reported in providing specialized services, such as chemotherapy and mammography, due to a lack of staff and medical equipment.
The crisis has also led to an increase in health costs in the past half-year, making it difficult for nearly a third of the population to afford certain health services. Despite these challenges, the WHO, along with the United Nations and other partners, is stepping up efforts to reach more areas and ensure that everyone in Ukraine has access to the healthcare they need.
EN 
UA