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WHO calls for all possible measures to be taken to ensure the protection of health personnel who work in conflict zones
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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In connection with the spread of dangerous emergency situations in the world (military operations, military actions, natural disasters), their large scale and frequency of occurrence, the World Health Organization has called for an end to intimidation and violence against medical personnel during the performance of their duties in dangerous areas. Such attacks on medical workers are considered a serious violation of the basic human rights to health.
Every year on August 19, the World Humanitarian Day is celebrated around the world and in this regard, the World Health Organization has focused attention on the fact that attacks on medical personnel, ambulance services, hospitals continue to be committed throughout the world, in particular in South Sudan, Iraq, the Gaza Strip, Syria, and Central Africa.
With the Ebola outbreak in Africa, WHO has expressed concern about the intimidation and harassment of health workers in West Africa. Health workers are risking their lives to help victims, even despite threats and scorn from some in the public.
Dr. Chan, Director-General of WHO, noted that it is important to provide health workers with an environment free from intimidation and violence so that specialists, nurses and other workers can safely carry out their primary duties. The head of the World Health Organization's Department of Humanitarian Response and Risk Coordination in Hazardous Situations also emphasized that attacks and threats to health workers prevent patients from receiving the necessary care, including preventive measures (vaccination).
The World Health Organization has a specific document that guarantees the human right to health, especially for people who are in dangerous regions (epidemics, military actions, etc.). All the consequences that develop after attacks on medical workers are carefully documented, in particular in Syria, the Gaza Strip, and South Sudan. Also, doctors working in dangerous regions face difficulties almost every day in performing their duties, not only in the zone where military actions are taking place. In Nigeria and Pakistan, medical workers, mainly women, who are doing preventive vaccination against polio, are regularly attacked.
The World Health Organization plays a leading role in managing the health response to dangerous situations that arise around the world. In this regard, WHO heads actively collaborate with their partners in the field of documentation and prevention of such incidents, as well as timely and adequate response to such cases.
Protecting those citizens who, at risk to their own lives, care for the sick and those in need around the world is a priority for the international community.