GENEVA - Today, in a declaration by global organizations representing more than 30 million healthcare professionals, medical and humanitarian professionals have condemned increasing incidents of attacks against health workers and facilities, and are calling on governments to act against misinformation and to ensure that health care is protected by domestic law.


The declaration follows an increase in attacks against health workers and facilities linked to COVID-19: more than 200 incidents of violence have been recorded by the International Committee of the Red Cross, in over 13 countries since the beginning of the pandemic. These are reported attacks; the actual numbers are likely much higher.

The declaration also calls on governments to ensure that all health-care professionals have a safe working environment, and that mental health support is offered not only to victims of violence, but also to those working under increased levels of stress. The ICRC is particularly concerned for health care staff working in countries with fragile healthcare systems.


In countries affected by war or violence, the pandemic puts additional pressure on healthcare workers and systems already strained by conflict or lack of investments. Infection rates of health care staff are as high as 14% of total confirmed infections in contexts where health care systems are functioning reasonably well. This percentage could be much higher for health care staff working in systems already strained by conflict or suffering long term under investment.