The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a resolution on Thursday denouncing Russia for generating a national health crisis in Ukraine while dismissing a counterproposal from Russian officials that did not acknowledge their country’s participation in the situation, The Hill reported.
At the WHO’s 75th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, the resolution received 88 votes in favor, 12 votes against, and 53 abstentions.
The resolution criticizes Russian aggression in Ukraine, stating that it is “creating a major obstruction to the health of the Ukrainian population, as well as having regional and broader than regional health repercussions.” It also calls on Russia to stop attacking Ukrainian healthcare institutions right away.
A counter-resolution submitted by Russian authorities voiced major worries over the ongoing health crisis in and around Ukraine without mentioning Russia’s participation in the crisis, but it was rejected by WHO member nations.
According to Reuters, Ukrainian Ambassador to the UN Yevheniia Filipenko called Russia’s resolution a “twisted alternative reality,” whereas Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Alexander Alimov called it “one-sided.”
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, has repeatedly urged for an end to the violence in Ukraine, stating that Russian attacks on healthcare institutions “has to end.”
Since Russia decided to invade Ukraine in late February, the WHO has kept track of the number of assaults on healthcare institutions, systems, and staff.
Since the war began on February 24, the organization’s dashboard has logged 266 assaults against Ukraine’s healthcare systems. They have recorded 239 assaults on medical institutions, including the bombing of a maternity facility in Mariupol’s harbor city.
According to the WHO, the assaults resulted in 76 fatalities and 62 injuries.
The resolution issued on Thursday raises deep concern about the continued humanitarian disaster in Ukraine and strongly opposes the war.
The resolution also calls on WHO member states to maintain aiding with healthcare activities, pharmaceuticals, and refugee programs, and urges the director-general to improve data exchange and sharing on health-care-related attacks in Ukraine.
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