WHO condemns attack on clinic in Taiz

RIYADH: The World Health Organization has condemned the attack on Al-Houban clinic, run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Taiz, in which nine people were wounded, including two MSF staff.
Ahmed Shadoul, the Riyadh-based WHO representative for Yemen, said: “WHO strongly condemns the attack on Al-Houban clinic and other health facilities in Yemen, and is deeply concerned over the serious implications such attacks have on patients, medical personnel and the health infrastructure.”
Shadoul said that the clinic is one of the very few health facilities in Taiz currently offering medical care for displaced people and those in critical need of health care. “At the time when health facilities are overwhelmed with patients, especially in Taiz, they need protection. Medical staff should be allowed to provide medical care to patients in a safe environment.”
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in the damage and destruction of over 99 health facilities including 38 hospitals, 10 polyclinics and 27 ambulances. Nine health workers have died and 17 were injured. In all the attacks, patients, including children, were severely injured, the WHO said in a statement.
In times of crisis, it is vital that health facilities continue to function and medical staff are allowed to provide medical care to patients without any risks.