In 2023, the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition recorded a staggering increase of 25% in attacks on health care facilities in conflict zones. This amounted to a total of 2562 incidents, which was 500 more than the previous year. The attacks were characterized by bombings, looting, occupations, raids, and vandalism of health facilities. Additionally, there were severe disruptions in staffing levels as health workers were killed, kidnapped and arrested.
Furthermore, medical supplies and convoys were frequently looted and hijacked, hindering the delivery of essential care to patients. Health facilities were often repurposed for military use, and the surrounding areas were subjected to bombings. Alarmingly, nearly half of these incidents were attributed to state forces. The use of explosive weapons impacting health care increased in several countries including Israel, the oPt, Myanmar, Somalia and Sudan. Drones armed with explosives were also used more frequently in attacks on health care facilities in various conflicts.
Over the years consistent monitoring has shown that conflicts with a pattern of violence against health care often begin with extreme levels of violence against the health system. This trend was evident in 2023 in places like Manipur state (India), Gaza Strip and Sudan similar to what was observed in previous years in Myanmar and Ukraine. The escalation of attacks on health care poses a grave threat to the well-being of civilians in conflict zones and highlights the urgent need for greater protection of health facilities and workers.
