The number of Ukrainians killed in attacks in 2024 may surpass the fatalities recorded in 2023 according to data from the World Health Organization.
This follows a Russian missile strike on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital on July 8, highlighting the surge in deadly assaults on medical facilities, vehicles, and personnel in the country in 2024.
Prior to the attack on Kyiv’s Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, the WHO reported 18 deaths and 81 injuries resulting from over 175 attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Ukraine during the first half of 2024.
Additionally, 44 attacks on medical vehicles were documented in the same period.
In contrast, throughout 2023, the WHO recorded 22 deaths and 117 injuries from 350 such attacks, with 45 specifically targeting medical vehicles like ambulances.
Other organizations have reported even higher death tolls.
The July 8 incident resulted in the deaths of at least one doctor and another adult at the hospital, while at least 50 individuals, including seven children, were injured, according to local authorities.
Under Article 18 of the Geneva Convention, attacks on civilian hospitals are prohibited.
Furthermore, Article 20 of the convention stipulates that healthcare workers must be protected by all parties involved in conflicts.
