Attacks on Syria’s health care personnel and facilities

Health care facilities in Syria have been targeted by bombs and other means of violence for years. In 2018 alone there have been 194 verified attacks, including on health care facilities and ambulances, in which 143 people died and 259 were injured.

WHO demands that all parties in the conflict respect the safety and neutrality of health workers and health facilities. Some patterns of attacks indicate that health care is being deliberately targeted – a major violation of international law that shows a tragic disregard for our common humanity.

The Turkey Health Cluster – a group of medical organizations coordinated by WHO from Gaziantep, Turkey – monitors attacks on health care facilities in non-government controlled areas in Syria, collecting and verifying information. This complements the provision of health services, staff and supplies to meet the health needs of populations in the northwest of the country.