The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) and the International Federation of Medical Student Associations (IFMSA) recently hosted an event in Geneva, Switzerland, during the 77th World Health Assembly. Global experts gathered to discuss the alarming increase in attacks on health systems during armed conflict. The session highlighted the challenges faced, the impact of these attacks, and potential solutions to safeguard health in times of crisis. Medical students in the audience were urged to recognize the importance of protecting health services and those who deliver them.
Rick Brennan, Regional Emergencies Director at the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, shared shocking statistics from Gaza and Sudan, where over 900 attacks on health provision have been documented in Gaza and the West Bank since last year, and nearly all health facilities in Sudan have been impacted. The lack of accountability for these attacks was emphasized, with a call for detailed investigations to document and address the situation. WISH and the WHO will release a report on health and armed conflict at the upcoming WISH 2024 event in Doha.
Armed conflicts have devastating consequences on health systems, leading to severe impacts on populations and health infrastructure. Deliberate attacks on health facilities, workers, and patients violate international humanitarian law and worsen the already fragile health situation in conflict-affected areas. Jim Campbell, Director of Health Workforce at the WHO, highlighted the increasing trend of attacks on health systems, with over 2,500 incidents in 2023 alone, including attacks on health workers. These attacks underscore the urgent need to uphold international humanitarian law and protect health workers.
Sultana Afdhal, CEO of WISH, emphasized the unacceptability of attacks on health and the importance of mobilizing tomorrow’s health leaders to take action. Collaborating with IFMSA, the event provided an opportunity to hear from experts and current and future health professionals on the critical issue of health in conflict settings. Saleyha Ahsan, a PhD candidate at Cambridge University and author of the upcoming WISH report, highlighted the need to address attacks on health in current armed conflicts and the importance of monitoring and legally protecting health during conflicts.
Overall, the event brought attention to the escalating attacks on health systems during armed conflict and the urgent need for action to protect health services, workers, and patients. The upcoming report from WISH and the WHO will further shed light on this pressing issue and provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals. By raising awareness and working together to address attacks on health systems, the global community can strive to safeguard health in times of crisis and uphold international humanitarian law.
