The World Health Assembly, which governs the World Health Organization (WHO), Thursday passed a resolution on the “[h]ealth emergency in Ukraine and refugee receiving and hosting countries, stemming from the Russian Federation’s aggression.” This resolution passed with a vote of 88 in favor, 12 against and 53 abstentions.

According to the WHO Constitution, health is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Thursday’s resolution highlights the importance of protecting “the wounded and sick, medical personnel and humanitarian personnel in armed conflict[.]” This resolution draws “attention to the direct and indirect health impacts in Ukraine,” “condemns attacks on health care,” and “urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease any attacks on hospitals and other healthcare facilities.”

WHO runs a Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care, documenting worldwide attacks on health care and allowing the public to view such data, including the groups impacted by such attacks. Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, there have been 263 reported attacks, 75 deaths and 59 injuries in Ukraine.