9 March 2017, Kabul, Afghanistan - WHO condemns yesterday’s brutal attack against Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan Hospital, which led to the deaths of at least 30 Afghans, with dozens more injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families, friends and colleagues, and hope for a speedy recovery for those injured.
The neutrality of medical staff, patients and health facilities should be respected at all times by all parties. Any attack on a medical facility is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.
Everyone has a right to healthcare. Hospitals, health facilities, patients, doctors and nurses should never be a target. Attacks on hospitals and clinics continue to weaken Afghanistan’s health system, denying much-needed access to basic health care and advanced health services for an increasing number of people.
