The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) is asking health professionals worldwide to sign an open letter calling for all parties in conflicts to safeguard health facilities and personnel, in line with international laws. There are over 180 armed conflicts in the world today, more than twice as many as in 2010 — and the trend is rising alarmingly, the WHPA says. Health professionals are delivering emergency medical care in these conflict areas, putting their lives at risk while they provide care to others. Tragically many have been injured or killed. The letter expresses condemnation of ongoing violence targeting healthcare facilities and personnel in all regions worldwide. International humanitarian law requires the active protection of healthcare facilities and personnel, humane treatment for the wounded and sick, and prohibits the misuse of healthcare facilities and vehicles for military purposes. Healthcare facilities, ambulances and health professionals must never be targeted, the alliance says. The letter can be accessed and signed here.

The WHPA brings together the global organisations representing the world’s dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and physicians and speaks for over 41 million healthcare professionals in more than 130 countries. FIP is a founding member of the alliance.