The World Health Organization has warned that further escalation in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, the organization’s regional office for Europe said.
“Any further escalation could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe in Europe, including a high death toll, as well as further damage to already fragile health systems,” the office said in a statement.
The World Health Organization said the situation is particularly worrying in light of the coronavirus pandemic and the current outbreak of polio in the country.
The regional office said that “health personnel, hospitals or other facilities must never be targeted, and must be allowed to continue to meet the health needs of communities… the protection of civilians is mandatory under international humanitarian law.”
