Any attack against health workers is unacceptable: WHO
Listen /
Polio health worker vaccinates a child against polio in Pakistan
Any attack on health workers is unacceptable, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday, responding to the killing of health workers conducting a polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan.
WHO Spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic says the provision of health services must be neutral in any conflict or situation.
“ At the end, it’s the children and the affected communities who are the ones who will suffer with the denial of basic health services and interventions. We are grateful for the intervention of local leaders and also to the government of Pakistan in their ongoing efforts to try to create an environment where children can be reached with essential interventions by frontline health workers.”
WHO says Pakistan has made tremendous progress in the fight against polio over the past 18 months. It adds that the number of cases this year is down 65 per cent compared to 2011. In 2011, there were 173 cases. This year, only 56 cases have been reported.
Donn Bobb, United Nations.
Duration: 57″
