Thread by @WHO

LIVE NOW with @DrTedros at the WHO-Norway Event on UNSC2286 5th-Year Anniversary: Attacks on Health Care

#NotATarget

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"When it was passed in 2016, @UN Security Council Resolution 2286 brought critical attention to the issue of attacks against #healthworkers, patients, and facilities, especially in conflict situations"-@DrTedros #NotATarget

"Now, as the world struggles with the #COVID19 pandemic, attacks on health care are continuing. Fragile, conflict-affected settings with already weakened health systems are suffering the most"-@DrTedros #NotATarget

"In total, roughly 2400 incidents in 17 countries & territories have been recorded by the Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care, since its roll out in December 2017. Over 600 #healthworkers & patients have died, and nearly 2000 have been injured"-@DrTedros #NotATarget

"It is not uncommon for attacks to force health care facilities to close for long periods of time. Even in instances where facilities stay open, looting often leaves communities deprived of access to medicines and other vital medical products"-@DrTedros #NotATarget

"An attack can deprive an entire community of essential health services that are needed to save lives. The #COVID19 pandemic has only compounded these challenges"-@DrTedros #NotATarget

"These attacks must stop.

First and foremost, this requires world leaders to step up efforts to end all conflicts. In the meantime, advocacy and awareness-raising on the importance of protecting health facilities must continue"-@DrTedros #NotATarget

"The aid we provide in humanitarian settings must be accompanied by appropriate protection measures, which take care not inadvertently instigate even more attacks"-@DrTedros #NotATarget