WHO: 72 attacks on doctors and hospitals in Ukraine

The World Health Organization (WHO) has counted 72 separate attacks on hospitals, ambulances and medical personnel since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24. At least 71 people were killed and 37 people injured.

According to the WHO, attacks on medical facilities and staff are on the rise. In most cases (56) it concerns shelling with heavy weapons. At the beginning of March, for example, the hospital of Izyum was destroyed by a bombardment, a town near Kharkov. Eleven ambulances were also fired upon. Aid workers also regularly have to deal with theft and kidnapping.

The WHO argues that attacks on medical infrastructure have become part of modern warfare.