WHO reports over 20 attacks on Iranian healthcare facilities since March

WHO Reports Multiple Attacks on Iranian Healthcare Facilities

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that multiple attacks on healthcare facilities in Tehran, Iran have been reported. According to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, these attacks have resulted in significant damage to the Pasteur Institute, one of the oldest research and health facilities in the country.

Photos posted by Iranian Ministry of Health spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour show a heavily damaged building with parts reduced to rubble. Despite the damage, vaccine and serum production at the Pasteur Institute is expected to continue. No employees were reportedly harmed during the attacks.

The WHO chief stated that the Pasteur Institute plays an important role in protecting and promoting population health, including in emergency situations. Other healthcare facilities targeted by attacks include the Delaram Sina Psychiatric Hospital and the Tofigh Daru pharmaceutical facility.

According to the WHO, at least nine deaths have been reported as a result of these attacks, which have also affected other healthcare workers and facilities. The Iranian Red Crescent Society has confirmed that its warehouse was targeted, resulting in the destruction of relief supplies and vehicles.

The Geneva Conventions, agreed upon after World War II, designate healthcare facilities as protected locations. The WHO is urging respect and protection for humanitarian workers, ambulances, relief supplies, and humanitarian facilities during this conflict.

In recent days, US-Israeli strikes have targeted various Iranian infrastructure, including health, education, and transport facilities.

Source: Al Jazeera