World Health Organization reports rising attacks on healthcare in conflict zones

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that attacks on healthcare facilities, workers, and patients in conflict zones averaged more than four incidents per day between January and August 2026. These more than 900 attacks have resulted in at least 900 deaths and over 1,400 injuries.

Ukraine, Lebanon, and the occupied Palestinian territory represent the largest share of reported incidents. In Gaza, all 36 hospitals have sustained damage, leaving approximately half partially functional. In Sudan, 37% of health facilities are reported as non-functional this year. Since the start of the invasion in Ukraine, the WHO has verified over 3,100 attacks.

Other recorded incidents have occurred in Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Syria, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Altaf Musani, the WHO director of humanitarian and disaster management, noted that violence includes the use of heavy weapons, destruction of facilities, and the detention or abduction of 94 healthcare workers. Such attacks also disrupt disease outbreak responses, as seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo during an Ebola outbreak.