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Devastating Attacks on Healthcare Systems Worldwide

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tens of thousands of civilians, including health workers, midwives, and patients, have been affected by the deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities and services in countries such as Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The attacks have led to a significant increase in maternal and child mortality rates, with thousands of women and children forced to give birth in makeshift conditions or without access to essential healthcare services. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNFPA are sounding the alarm, warning of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis if immediate action is not taken to protect healthcare systems and personnel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Since October 2023, the WHO has documented over 720 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, with at least 1,580 health workers killed and unknown numbers arrested and detained by Israel.
  • In Sudan, more than 80% of health facilities in conflict zones are no longer operational, leaving midwives to take "huge risks to reach women in their homes".
  • In Ukraine, Russia has recorded over 300 attacks on healthcare facilities, services, and personnel since January 2025, leading to a severe shortage of medical supplies and equipment.
  • In Haiti, multiple attacks have forced several major hospitals to close, including the State University Hospital, the country's largest.
  • In the DRC, most facilities providing maternal healthcare have been bombed or looted, forcing UNFPA's mobile health teams to be the only option for women in need of care.
  • Over 1.2 million women and girls in Haiti are in urgent need of protection against gender-based violence, but due to ongoing insecurity, three out of UNFPA's four safe spaces in Port-au-Prince were recently forced to close and relocate.

Statistics:

  • 720 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza (WHO, 2023)
  • at least 1,580 health workers killed in Gaza (WHO, 2023)
  • 300 attacks on healthcare facilities, services, and personnel in Ukraine (WHO, 2025)
  • 80% of health facilities in Sudan's conflict zones are no longer operational (UNFPA, 2025)
  • 1.2 million women and girls in urgent need of protection against gender-based violence in Haiti (UNFPA, 2025)
  • three out of UNFPA's four safe spaces in Port-au-Prince, Haiti forced to close and relocate (UNFPA, 2025)

Sources:

  • WHO (2023) - WHO documents 720 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza.
  • WHO (2025) - WHO records over 300 attacks on healthcare facilities, services, and personnel in Ukraine.
  • UNFPA (2025) - UNFPA reports 80% of health facilities in Sudan's conflict zones are no longer operational.
  • UNFPA (2025) - UNFPA estimates 1.2 million women and girls in urgent need of protection against gender-based violence in Haiti.
  • UNFPA (2025) - UNFPA reports three out of four safe spaces in Port-au-Prince, Haiti forced to close and relocate.

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