WHO’s regional chief received a letter from Ukraine, backed by a dozen other countries seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the impact of the invasion on health and healthcare facilities. The letter sent this week was signed by 38 other members of the agency such as France, Germany, Britain, etc. The letter was addressed to Europe’s regional director Hans Kluge urging him to schedule a meeting to discuss issues such as attacks on health facilities, disruption of vaccination centers, and concern about radiological and chemical components.

WHO Europe spokesperson stated that the agency has been informed of the request and will hold a special virtual meeting session on 10 May. WHO stated that the attack deprived people of basic healthcare facilities, and urgent healthcare needs, endangered healthcare professionals, and demolished the healthcare system.

WHO recorded 177 attacks on healthcare facilities, in Ukraine with 73 deaths since the start of the invasion. They also added that the health system in eastern Ukraine has been destroyed with almost all the clinics and hospitals damaged.