WHO "Russia, Stop Attacking Medical Facilities... 12 Dead So Far"

Reference photo [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Russia to stop attacks on hospitals in Ukraine. So far, there have been 31 attacks on medical facilities by Russia, resulting in 12 deaths.

On the 13th (local time), WHO, together with UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), issued a joint statement appealing, "Ruthless attacks on medical facilities are causing patients and healthcare workers to die or suffer serious injuries."

WHO criticized, "Attacks on babies and children, pregnant women, patients, and healthcare workers risking their lives to care for them are utterly cruel and unacceptable actions."

According to WHO, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there have been 31 officially recorded attacks on medical facilities. Among these, 24 medical facilities were damaged, and ambulances were destroyed in 5 attacks. Due to the damage to medical facilities, 12 people have died, 34 have been injured, and access to medical services has been restricted.

Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there have been 4,300 births locally. The number of pregnant women expected to give birth within three months after the invasion is estimated at 80,000. Due to the war, medical equipment for pregnant women, such as oxygen, is severely lacking.

WHO emphasized, "Ukraine's healthcare system is under severe pressure, and the collapse of the medical system would be a disaster," adding, "Every effort must be made to prevent such events from occurring."

They also stated, "Humanitarian organizations and healthcare workers must be able to provide basic medical services," and "Vaccinations for COVID-19 and polio must continue without disruption."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.