Speaking at a daily media briefing in Geneva, Ghebreyesus emphasized the challenges faced by the population in accessing healthcare amidst the conflict, which further increases the risk of deadly epidemics.

The conflict has exacerbated the hunger crisis, with the number of people at the highest risk of hunger rising from 11.7 million to a staggering 19.1 million.

According to the WHO, since the conflict began in April, there have been 50 verified incidents through the Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care. These incidents include 32 attacks on health facilities, resulting in 10 deaths and 21 injuries among health workers and patients.

Ghebreyesus expressed his dismay over the attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel, as well as the alarming rise in gender-based violence in the country. The ongoing violence is hindering survivors of gender-based violence from accessing essential health services when they need them the most.

The WHO Secretary-General emphasized the critical need for women and girls to have unimpeded access to healthcare, particularly survivors of sexual violence and those requiring support during pregnancy and childbirth. He called for the protection of health workers and facilities and the safeguarding of humanitarian and health supplies delivery corridors.

In light of the escalating health and hunger crisis, GhebreyesusTedros made an urgent appeal to all parties involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, in order to prevent the situation from worsening further. (ILKHA)