Ukraine: More than 3,000 attacks on health services since Russia’s full-scale invasion

“During 1,534 days of war, Ukraine’s health care system has come under repeated attacks,” it said.

Every aspect of the system has been targetedfrom primary health centers to maternity hospitals, ambulance teams and pharmaceutical warehouses.

“This cannot be normalized”

About 80 percent of attacks occur in outpatient clinics, hospitals and other care settings. These disasters not only cause loss of life, but also disruption in service delivery, and damage to critical infrastructure, ultimately eroding the capacity of the health system.

Attacks on ambulances and other health vehicles accounted for about 20 percent. Nearly a third of incidents result in fatalitiesmaking medical transportation one of the areas with the highest risk of injury and death.

“Each of these attacks is a violation of international humanitarian law, and each attack represents patients who are unreached, health workers who are in danger, communities who are left without care.,” said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

“This cannot be normalized. Under international humanitarian law, health services are protected.”

Increasing victims, increasing needs

Attacks on Ukraine’s health infrastructure have significantly hampered the ability of medical personnel to provide essential services, coming amid growing need.

About 12.7 million people across the country need humanitarian assistanceincluding 9.2 million people who need health support, according to UN figures. Meanwhile, Civilian casualties have increased by about 31 percent compared to 2025.

“Since the start of this year alone, 186 attacks on health services verified by WHO have resulted in 15 deaths and left at least 81 people injured, and the number continues to rise,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, the agency’s Representative in Ukraine.

“Compared to the same period in 2025, the number of deaths has almost quadrupled, while the number of injuries has almost doubled.”

Ongoing support is required

Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine, expressed his thanks to WHO and partners for their support. He said the latest estimates show it will cost $23.6 billion to rebuild the health sector over the next decade.

“At the same time, we are doing everything possible to ensure that patients have access to necessary medical care,” he added.

WHO underscored the need to maintain and strengthen Ukraine’s health system to ensure millions of people across the country have uninterrupted access.

In the last year alone, WHO supports 1.9 million people with essential health servicesnearly 1,000 health facilities with medicines and equipment, and more than 2,500 health workers through training.

In addition, more than 6,400 patients were assisted with medical evacuation abroad to receive specialist treatment.

Assistance to farmers

Meanwhile, two UN entities have launched it a program to help small-scale farmers in Khersonska oblast in southern Ukraine to restore farmland and revive agricultural activities affected by the war.

This initiative is carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization (F.A.O) and it United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.

The partners have issued a new call for applications to the State Agrarian Registry (SAR) for farmers in four communities whose land has been affected by hostilities and is increasingly affected by drought.

Eligible applicants include agricultural producers cultivating between three and 300 hectares located at a safe distance from front lines.

Cash, seeds and guidance

Those selected will receive cash assistance and vouchers to purchase items such as drought-adapted seeds, drip irrigation equipment and other agricultural materials needed to restart production.

They will also receive guidance and support in applying for State compensation programs for demining for humanitarian reasons.

This initiative is implemented with financial support from Ukrainian Community Recovery Fund (UCRF)—a UN-backed entity.

This is part of a $2.6 million joint FAO and UNOPS project, funded through UCRF, to help farming communities in the Kherson region return to production safely.