Ukrainian medical facilities repeatedly attacked, casualties surge; $23.6 billion needed for reconstruction over next decade
According to data from its own monitoring system, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Ukraine's healthcare system has suffered more than 3,000 attacks since the full-scale invasion began.
Of verified attacks on medical facilities, approximately 80% targeted outpatient clinics, hospitals, and other medical care institutions.
Beyond causing direct casualties, such attacks have disrupted healthcare services, damaged critical infrastructure, and long-term weakened the capacity of the healthcare system.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated:
"Every attack violates international humanitarian law. Every attack means a patient cannot receive treatment, medical staff are in danger, and communities lose access to healthcare.
This behavior must not be normalized. Under international humanitarian law, medical facilities enjoy protected status. This is not a proposal or suggestion—it is an obligation all parties to conflict must fulfill. The WHO will continue documenting every attack on Ukraine’s healthcare system and firmly call for the protection of Ukrainian medical personnel."
About 20% of recorded attacks on the healthcare system targeted ambulances and other medical transport vehicles; nearly one-third of these incidents resulted in casualties, making medical transportation one of the most dangerous areas in terms of risk to life.
Yarno Gabish, WHO Representative in Ukraine, noted that as of early this year, WHO has verified 186 attacks on medical facilities—resulting in 15 deaths and at least 81 injuries, with numbers continuing to rise.
Compared to the same period in 2025, fatalities have increased nearly fourfold, while injuries have nearly doubled.
United Nations data shows that 12.7 million people in Ukraine currently require humanitarian assistance, with 9.2 million urgently needing medical support.
Assessments indicate a 31% increase in civilian casualties compared to 2025.
Ukraine's Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, said, "The latest assessment shows that rebuilding Ukraine’s healthcare sector over the next ten years will require $23.6 billion. Meanwhile, we are doing everything possible to ensure the population receives basic medical care."
The WHO office in Ukraine continues adjusting its aid strategy according to evolving circumstances, assisting healthcare institutions in maintaining operations, striving to protect medical staff, and continuously enhancing Ukraine’s healthcare system’s resilience and recovery capacity.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864774832331776/
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