WHO chief calls on Russia to commit to peaceful resolution in Ukraine

GENEVA

The World Health Organization chief on Wednesday called on Russia to commit to a peaceful resolution to the current situation in Ukraine, and allow safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance for those in need as fear grows that infectious diseases will spread due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus told a press webinar that Friday will mark two years since the global health body said the spread of COVID-19 could be characterized as a pandemic.

COVID-19 killed more than 6 million people in those two years.

Turning to the war in Ukraine, he said WHO has delivered 81 metric tons of supplies and is establishing a pipeline of supplies for health facilities throughout the war-racked country, especially in the most affected areas.

"So far, the WHO has verified 18 attacks on health facilities, health workers, and ambulances" in which there were 10 deaths and 16 injuries, said Tedros.

"These attacks deprive whole communities of health care."

While thanking his colleagues, partners in Ukraine, in the country's neighbors, and across the world, Tedros said the WHO continues to protect and promote health, even in the most challenging situations.

"But the only real solution to this situation is peace," he noted.

"WHO continues to call on the Russian Federation to commit to a peaceful resolution to this crisis, and to allow safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance for those in need."

At least 474 civilians have been killed and 864 others injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war on Feb. 24, according to UN figures.

Over 2.1 million people have also fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, recent data by the UN refugee agency showed.

Peaceful resolution possible

Tedros said a peaceful resolution is possible, which "is true in every war and humanitarian crisis to which WHO is responding around the world."

WHO officials said the organization will provide medical assistance extended to all sides in the war, referring to Russia and Ukraine.

Mike Ryan, the head of WHO's global emergencies, said there will be no health care in Ukraine without peace.

He said many older persons with complex health needs may not be able to move or cannot move so easily to flee the war.

"And getting aid and assistance to them is very important."

There are around 1,000 health facilities of different sizes, not all hospitals, but clinics, polyclinics, and various healthcare delivery entities, either on the frontlines or within 10 kilometers (six miles) of the frontline.

"So, in effect, the health system is becoming engulfed in this conflict," said Ryan.

"We've seen how some hospitals are being abandoned by the authorities because they simply cannot function."

Ryan said all the hospitals need power, clean water, engineers, and fuel supply for generators.

"All of this support is needed to keep your average hospital going in a normal situation -- in the middle of a shooting war -- it's almost impossible," he said.

"The health workers and the frontline workers in Ukraine are exceptionally brave, and they are saving lives," said Ryan.

WHO will do what it can to help them with its partners "to support them in their heroic efforts."

"But this crisis from a health perspective can only get worse unless there's an immediate move to cease hostilities within Ukraine and to stop this war," said Ryan.

He warned: "Conflict and infectious disease are intimately intertwined."