WHO reports over four daily attacks on health services in conflict zones this year
The World Health Organization says more than four health-care attacks per day have occurred in conflict areas during 2026, with over 900 incidents recorded so far.
At a briefing in Geneva, the World Health Organization warned that attacks on health infrastructure and personnel in war zones have surged in 2026, reaching an average of more than four incidents each day. Between January and August, officials counted over 900 attacks, which have resulted in at least 900 fatalities and more than 1,400 injuries. Ukraine, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territory register the highest numbers, though incidents have also been reported in Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Syria, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The WHO highlighted the use of heavy weaponry, the demolition of facilities and the kidnapping or detention of health workers, noting 94 such detentions so far. Damage is severe: all 36 hospitals in Gaza are impaired, with roughly half still partially operational, and 37% of Sudan's health sites are non-functional. The agency stressed that each attack hampers patient care and can disrupt disease-outbreak responses, as seen in Syria and the DRC during an Ebola crisis.
Why it matters
Continued assaults on medical services threaten civilian health, impede disease control and violate international humanitarian law.
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