More than four attacks on healthcare recorded every day in conflict zones

Attacks on hospitals, healthcare workers and patients in conflict zones are occurring at an average rate of more than four every day in 2026, according to the World Health Organization.

More than 900 attacks on healthcare have been documented between January and August this year, resulting in at least 900 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries.

The figures highlight the growing risks facing healthcare workers and patients in some of the world’s most dangerous humanitarian crises, including Ukraine, the occupied Palestinian territory and Lebanon.

Other attacks have been recorded in countries including Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Syria, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The WHO records incidents involving violence against healthcare facilities, workers, patients, ambulances and other medical infrastructure. Attacks can include bombardment and destruction of facilities as well as intimidation, detention and abduction of healthcare workers.

At least 94 healthcare workers have reportedly been detained during 2026.

The impact extends far beyond those directly killed or injured. When hospitals are damaged, ambulances are attacked or healthcare professionals are unable to work safely, entire communities can lose access to essential medical care.

The situation is particularly severe in Gaza, where all hospitals have sustained damage and only around half are partially functioning.

In Sudan, around 37% of health facilities are currently non-operational, further limiting access to healthcare amid the country’s continuing humanitarian crisis.

Ukraine has also experienced sustained attacks against its healthcare system since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. More than 3,100 attacks have now been verified by the WHO, including 156 during 2026.

The consequences are also affecting efforts to contain infectious diseases.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, insecurity and attacks affecting healthcare services have complicated the response to the country’s ongoing Ebola outbreak, making it harder for health workers to conduct surveillance, trace contacts and provide treatment.

The WHO has been systematically monitoring attacks on healthcare through its Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care since 2018.

More than 10,400 attacks have been verified through the system since monitoring began.

Healthcare facilities, medical workers and patients are afforded protection under international humanitarian law. The WHO continues to call for healthcare to be protected during armed conflict and for health workers to be able to provide treatment safely and without obstruction.

The figures come as World Humanitarian Day draws renewed attention to the risks faced by healthcare and humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones around the world.

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