WHO concerned about impact of Syrian crisis on health facilities

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displaced Syrian children – UNICEF

The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned attacks on health facilities in Syria.

In a statement on Monday, WHO says the escalation of the crisis in Syria has resulted in substantial damage to the country's health facilities.

The agency is expressing deep concern about the serious implications they have on medical personnel, patients and the health infrastructure.

Charles Appel reports.

WHO says the intensification of fighting in Syria has resulted in limited access and provision of essential health services.

It reports that nearly 70 per cent of public hospitals have been affected by the conflict, and close to 30 of them are out of service.

In addition, more than half of the 520 ambulances have been damaged.

WHO is calling for a halt to the violence to ensure patients can safely access health facilities and that staff are protected.

It also reminds all parties to the conflict that health facilities must be treated as neutral premises.

Charles Appel, United Nations
Duration: 39″

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