The right of health care workers to provide care during international conflicts must be protected, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO says.
NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says hospitals and health care workers are increasingly being targeted in war torn nations.
"Hospitals and health workers should never be targets. Health care workers must have the right and freedom to provide care in conflict zones," she says.
International media have reported an Israeli air strike hit a hospital in Tehran’s north, badly damaging the facilities and forcing patients to be evacuated. The air strikes were part of the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran.
"Sadly, attacks on hospitals and health care workers are not a new development," Kerri Nuku says.
"The World Health Organization last week said attacks on Ukraine’s health care facilities had increased by 20% last year and hit a staggering total of 2881 since the war with Russia began four years ago.
"In Myanmar, at least 34 people were killed and dozens more injured late last year after air strikes from Myanmar's military hit a hospital in the country's west.
" NZNO is supporting Myanmar health care workers providing care on the Thai border. We have heard firsthand the struggles of providing health care in a conflict," Kerri Nuku says.