A representative from the World Health Organization (WHO) reported today that the ongoing US-Israeli conflict in Iran has led to the evacuation of six hospitals. Despite this alarming development, the Iranian healthcare system has shown resilience, with the regional director, Hanan Balkhi, stating that the primary healthcare system and health infrastructure are surprisingly robust and capable of meeting the needs of casualties thus far. Importantly, Iranian authorities have yet to request urgent aid from the WHO, indicating that they may still be coping with the challenges of the conflict without external help.

Furthermore, Iranian UN ambassador Ali Bahrein disclosed that since the war began on February 28, more than 1,300 people have been killed, with at least 7,000 injured, showcasing the war's devastating toll on the population. The WHO, which maintains a presence in Tehran to assist local health authorities in disease management, has acknowledged numerous attacks on healthcare infrastructures, including 18 incidents and the deaths of eight medical professionals. This alarming pattern raises concerns about the safety of healthcare workers and the operation of medical facilities during times of armed conflict.

Looking forward, Balkhi indicated that the WHO has emergency plans to transport supplies should the situation deteriorate further. The ongoing conflict not only affects the well-being of individuals but also places significant pressure on Iran’s healthcare resources. The resilience of the healthcare system is crucial for the survival of many, and the international community will be closely monitoring developments to determine whether additional support will be needed in the days to come.