Safeguarding the healers: protecting healthcare workers in armed conflicts 

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Imane El Maimoun, a 21-year-old third-year Moroccan medical student at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Shanzay Naveed, a 3rd year MBBS student at Allama Iqbal Medical College, an affiliated member and Assistant Director of PUBSSD at IFMSA. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

In conflict zones, where survival hangs by a thread, healthcare workers are the last line of hope, yet they are now endangered. In 2024, attacks on healthcare have surged, hitting a critical low in frontline responders’ safety. In Gaza alone, over 41,870 lives have been lost since October 2023, with similar violence in Ukraine and Sudan leaving hospitals barely functional and under constant threat. Protecting these lifesavers is not only a moral obligation but a vital need for the survival of affected communities. This article explores the escalating risks faced by healthcare workers in conflict zones and highlights global efforts to secure their protection. 

A report from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition shows that incidents of violence against healthcare workers in conflict zones have risen by 25% since 2022. This escalation reflects widespread disregard for the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on the wounded, sick, and healthcare personnel while protecting facilities and ambulances. In response, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2286 in 2016, calling for adherence to international obligations and emphasizing accountability to prevent impunity and further atrocities, including war crimes. 

Despite such international laws, attacks continue, especially in Gaza, where the challenges facing medical staff are dire. Since October 7, 2023, over 505 reported attacks on healthcare facilities have led to 752 deaths and 982 injuries among healthcare workers. Five hospitals have closed, leaving only 16 of 36 partially operational and severely limiting care for over two million people. 

Healthcare staff work under extreme conditions, with hospitals targeted and resources scarce. “There is death in all types and forms… and the hospital is [being] targeted too,” says Dr. Mohammed Obeid, an MSF orthopedic surgeon. The influx of displaced people worsens overcrowding and resource shortages, making it harder to deliver care. “Ambulances cannot move… Many die before reaching the hospital,” he adds. 

This violence disrupts healthcare services, endangering both workers and patients. In addition to physical risks, healthcare providers suffer severe psychological strain, coping with constant stress and fear of attacks. These conditions test their resilience, yet they persist in their mission despite the odds. 

Global efforts to protect healthcare workers in conflict zones are advancing through various initiatives. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) leads the Health Care in Danger project, providing guidance to armed forces on safeguarding healthcare. Since 2014, the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition has also documented attacks and advocated for stronger protections.  

Key actions include: 

• Prosecuting war crimes against healthcare workers. 
• Ceasing arms transfers to groups violating international humanitarian law.
• Encouraging health ministers to collaborate with security forces to protect healthcare. 
• Supporting regional and UN groups in safeguarding healthcare systems. 

These actions reflect a global commitment to protect healthcare in conflict zones. 

While international laws and initiatives strive to shield healthcare workers, significant challenges remain. Ongoing efforts focus on improving compliance, ensuring accountability, and providing practical support for those in conflict zones. Therefore, the global community must stay vigilant and committed to safeguarding those who risk their lives to deliver care.

Resources :

https://conflictandhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13031-023-00555-4

https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/update-north-gaza-i-just-dont-have-words

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10938685

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/7/one-year-of-israels-war-on-gaza-a-simple-guide

https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/critical-condition-violence-against-health-care-conflict-2023

About the author

Imane El Maimouni is a 21-year-old third-year Moroccan medical student at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, with a deep passion for global health, painting, and writing. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) through the Medec’IN-Casa club.