19 August 2025—On World Humanitarian Day, WHPA together with humanitarian organizations is calling on world leaders to act for humanity and protect health professionals working in conflict zones. The health professions condemned the increasing number of targeted attacks in WHPA’s call to safeguard healthcare facilities and personnel in areas of conflict, in accordance with international law, launched last year.
Data released today only increases the relevance of the call. It shows that attacks on aid workers, including healthcare personnel and sites, have set new, ever more deadly records. 2024 surpassed the previous year’s record-high death toll for aid workers, with 383 fatalities reported across 27 countries—21 of which saw an increase from last year. These assaults not only violate international humanitarian law but also leave communities without access to essential care and medicines.
Threats to healthcare, and the professionals who deliver it, do not stop there. Underfunding puts strain on many health systems, and recent international budget cuts are exacerbating the situation. Every funding cut and every attack translate into fewer health professionals and fewer health services reaching people who need them most.
Today, humanitarian and health organizations are calling on governments, donors, and the international community to urgently:
- Protect health professionals and humanitarian personnel as required by international law.
- Increase funding for health services.
- Strengthen health systems to withstand shocks from conflicts and disasters.
Read the press release in English