The United Nations agency said attacks have been reported across 29 countries and territories over the past eight years, resulting in approximately 5 700 deaths and more than 8 000 injuries.
WHO reiterated its call for healthcare facilities and personnel to be protected, warning that violence against the sector continues to disrupt lifesaving services in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
According to the agency, more than 900 attacks were recorded between January and August 2026 alone, causing at least 900 deaths and more than 1 400 injuries. The figures represent an average of more than four attacks every day.
Most incidents this year were reported in Ukraine, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territory. Additional attacks were documented in Myanmar, Iran, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Russia, Syria and Nigeria.
WHO Director for Humanitarian and Disaster Management Altaf Musani said healthcare facilities were facing multiple forms of violence. “What we are witnessing are multiple forms of violence,” Musani said.
Musani said the use of heavy weapons accounted for the largest share of attacks during 2026, followed by the deliberate destruction of healthcare infrastructure and psychological violence.
The agency also recorded 44 incidents involving the abduction, arrest or detention of healthcare workers and patients during the reporting period. Healthcare workers accounted for the majority of those affected.
Musani stressed that the consequences extend far beyond the immediate casualties. “When a hospital is attacked, the impact is not only on the people inside the hospital that day,” Musani said.
“It is the patient who cannot receive healthcare tomorrow. It is the ambulance that cannot make the next referral. It is the healthcare worker who cannot return to work, or medicine supply that can no longer reach facilities.”
Evidence gathered by WHO shows prolonged effects on healthcare delivery after attacks occur. A study examining 69 attacks in northwest Syria found outpatient consultations fell by 51% the following day, with disruptions continuing for up to 37 days.
In Sudan, WHO said 37% of healthcare facilities were non-functional during 2026, while only 3% of assessed facilities were providing inpatient care.
Musani also noted that all 36 hospitals in Gaza have been damaged, with only half remaining partially operational. In Ukraine, WHO has verified more than 3 000 attacks affecting healthcare facilities, ambulances, warehouses and medical supply chains since the conflict began.
In the DRC, the agency has verified 12 attacks on healthcare services since the current Ebola outbreak was declared in May, disrupting efforts to contain the disease. “These are not simply statistics,” Musani said.
“Behind every percentage is a patient. Behind every damaged facility is a service lost.”
WHO said none of the more than 10 000 verified attacks recorded since 2018 has resulted in accountability for those responsible, and called on parties involved in conflicts to ensure healthcare services are protected under international law.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
