From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
WHO: 16 attacks have affected health care in Ukraine since start of Russia invasion
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The head of the World Health Organization’s Europe office says it has confirmed 16 attacks that have affected the provision of health care in Ukraine in the fighting since Russia’s invasion in the country began nearly two weeks ago.
Dr. Hans Kluge also tells reporters that Ukrainian health authorities have “remarkably” maintained COVID-19 surveillance and response since the invasion began on Feb. 24, though they reported 731 deaths related to the pandemic over the last week.
Kluge warns that “sadly, this number will increase as oxygen shortages continue” — with older people disproportionately affected. Treatment with oxygen is an important part of the response for people whose respiratory systems have been harmed by coronavirus infection.
The WHO Europe chief also says broken supply lines are harming the ability to treat conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and diabetes.
Catherine Smallwood, senior emergency officer for WHO Europe, says the attacks on health care in Ukraine have led to at least nine deaths and 16 injuries.
Israel is setting up a field hospital in Ukraine in the coming days. It has also sent generators for the hospital in Lviv.
The Times of Israel Community.