Health care under attack globally, says new report

Violence against health care in conflict zones surged to record levels in 2024, with more than 3,600 attacks reported across 36 countries, according to the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition’s report, Epidemic of Violence.

The data shows a worrying 15% increase from the previous year and a 62% rise since 2022.

More than 900 health workers were killed, and over 470 were detained, while repeated bombings and assaults on hospitals and clinics continued to disrupt critical medical care.

African countries, including Sudan, faced serious challenges amid these rising attacks.

The occupied Palestinian territory experienced the most intense violence, with over 1,300 attacks recorded, more than ever seen in a single year in any country or territory.

Other conflict zones such as Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine also saw persistent attacks that put health workers and patients at grave risk.

State actors were responsible for 81% of the attacks globally.

The use of explosive weapons increased from 36% in 2023 to 48% in 2024, and attacks involving armed drones doubled to 20%.

These methods cause widespread damage, making it even harder for health services to operate safely.

"There has been a complete erosion in the respect for international humanitarian law and the responsibility to protect health care in conflict," said Christina Wille, director of Insecurity Insight, the organization leading the report’s data collection.

She emphasized the urgent need for stronger enforcement of international laws and accountability to prevent further attacks.

Data collection remains difficult due to insecurity, communication blackouts, and reluctance from some parties to share information, meaning the real numbers are likely even higher.

The report calls on UN member states to reject attempts to weaken protections under international humanitarian law, promote investigations and prosecutions of violations, and improve military training to safeguard medical personnel.