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WHO condemns attack on Sebha Medical Centre

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5 April 2018 – The World Health Organization (WHO) condemns the attack on the Sabha Medical Centre in the south of Libya which was shelled on 2 April 2018. The environment has become too dangerous for health services to be delivered. 

Repeated attacks on health facilities will lead to closure of health facilities, adding to the sufferring of the Libyan people, and further depriving the already limited access that they have to medical care. 

Sabha Medical Centre is working under extreme pressure with limited supplies and resources to save lives and provide medical services to the whole of the south of Libya. In continuing their work to provide health care, they deserve greater protection. 

In Libya, where almost 75% of all health facilities are closed or only partially functioning, and where there are vast shortages in health staff, repeated attacks on health facilities will deprive thousands of people in the south of Libya of urgently needed health care and further impact an already weakened health system.

WHO once again urges all parties in the conflict to respect the safety and neutrality of health workers and health facilities. Attacks against health facilities contravene international humanitarian law.

Health is a human right regardless of political affiliation or geographical location. The integrity and neutrality of health facilities must be safeguarded for all.