The World Health Organization says attacks on healthcare facilities, workers and patients in conflict zones have surged in 2026, with more than 900 incidents recorded between January and August.
WHO Director of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Altaf Musani, said the attacks have killed at least 900 people and injured more than 1,400 others, averaging over four incidents each day.
Ukraine, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territory accounted for the largest share of reported attacks, while incidents were also recorded in countries including Sudan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Syria, Iran and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Musani said the attacks involved the destruction of health facilities, heavy weapons and the detention or abduction of healthcare workers and patients, with 94 health workers detained during the period.
In Gaza, all 36 hospitals have reportedly sustained damage, with only about half remaining partially functional. In Sudan, 37 per cent of health facilities are said to be non-functional.
WHO said attacks on healthcare also disrupt disease surveillance, treatment and emergency response, warning that the consequences extend beyond the immediate victims.
Since its monitoring system began in 2018, WHO has verified more than 10,400 attacks across 29 countries and territories, resulting in about 5,700 deaths and more than 8,500 injuries.
The agency said none of the verified attacks has so far entered an accountability process, despite healthcare facilities being protected under international humanitarian law.
