30 May 2016 - WHO condemns the multiple attacks on 27 and 28 May 2016 on the Benghazi Medical Center in Benghazi, Libya. More than 600 patients and health workers were in the medical center at the time of the attacks. No casualties inside the center have been reported, although there are substantial damages to infrastructure.
Benghazi Medical Center is the only health facility providing tertiary health care to more than 500,000 people in Benghazi. Damages to the intensive care unit and other parts of the medical centre have now further reduced the availability of health services in Benghazi.
The bombing represents a serious setback for the affected community and an additional challenge to humanitarian work in Libya. It is estimated that nearly 60% of public hospitals in conflict areas in Libya have shut down or are inaccessible.
WHO once again urges all parties in the conflict to respect the safety and neutrality of health workers and health facilities. Such attacks must be avoided. Warring parties need to consistently observe International Humanitarian Law and take all necessary precautionary measures to avoid depriving populations of urgently needed health services.
For more information:
Rana Sidani
Tel: +201099756506
Tarik Jasarevic
Tel: +41793676214
