WHO condemns attack on health care facility in Las Anod, Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The World Health Organization (WHO) deplores and condemns the latest attack on a health facility in Las Anod city, north of Somalia on 11 July 2023. As a result of this attack, dozens of people were killed and injured — including healthcare workers and patients — and 2 ambulances were destroyed.

“WHO extends its sincere condolences to the families of those health care workers who have been killed and injured in this attack. We urge all parties in conflict to respect the neutrality of health care and the obligations of the health community to the duty of care,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Attacks on health care have occurred repeatedly in Las Anod, hampering health service delivery to innocent civilians trapped in an extremely volatile setting. This is the fifth time the facility has been hit since the violence in Las Anod erupted last year.

Attacks on health care deprive people of urgently needed life-saving essential health services, especially in countries torn by conflict that endanger those who provide health care.

“In situations where health care systems are already fragile, attacks on health care have devastating consequences going beyond the loss of lives of health workers and the patients they might have saved. Thousands of people every year will die not because they are direct victims but because the health care facilities become dysfunctional and the environment becomes too dangerous for effective health care to be delivered. I, therefore, appeal to all to protect health care facilities and health workers, and ensure access to health care for everyone irrespective of their involvement in the conflict,” said Dr Mamunur Rahman Malik, WHO Representative for Somalia.

Source: WHO