WHO Head of Country Office in Ukraine: Attacks on medical facilities are violation of intl law

Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Head of Country Office in Ukraine, WHO Representative, in an interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency told about the impact of the war and the aggressor's actions on the medical infrastructure and access of Ukrainians to medical services

Text: Anna Levchenko

What are the main problems currently identified by the WHO in the field of health care and medicine in Ukraine? Which of these problems are related to war?

After eight months of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country’s critical infrastructure has been affected but the resilient health system continues to provide life-saving care with the support of WHO and partners as it prepares for a challenging winter ahead.

Access to healthcare has been stymied due to the war amid ongoing attacks against healthcare which renders some healthcare facilities non-functional and significantly impacts how people access healthcare.

The ongoing war has also significantly impacted supply lines to allow for the provision of life saving medical supplies to reach those most in need by humanitarian actors, including WHO. Ensuring access to life saving medical supplies to newly accessible areas in Ukraine remains one of the key priorities for WHO in Ukraine and we continue to bring in much needed supplies to these areas.

WHO has verified more than 660 attacks against healthcare in Ukraine since 24 February 2022. National authorities have also recorded attacks on healthcare in the country. These attacks mark a violation of international law and have injured or killed healthcare workers, patients, and have disrupted supply lines, and damaged hospitals and health facilities.

Other issues related to health include the increase in chronic diseases including