The head of the World Health Organization’s Europe branch announced that up to 1,000 women and children from Gaza will be evacuated to Europe for medical care. Despite Israel’s siege on Gaza, commitments have been made for additional evacuations to the European Union in the coming months.
The WHO, along with European countries, will facilitate these evacuations. UN investigators have accused Israel of targeting health facilities in Gaza and mistreating medical personnel, calling it “crimes against humanity.”
The WHO Europe has already facilitated 600 evacuations to Europe since the war began in Gaza in October 2023. Hans Kluge emphasized the importance of dialogue and non-politicization of health, highlighting the provision of HIV-AIDS medications to patients in conflict zones.
Kluge expressed concerns about the healthcare systems in conflict zones, especially Ukraine, where healthcare workers are operating in difficult conditions. Despite the challenges, WHO European region countries are working together to prepare for future pandemics, emphasizing the need for a global pandemic treaty.
He stressed the importance of ensuring the security of national healthcare systems and addressing health issues such as mental health, violence against women, and inequalities. Kluge aims to focus on improving healthcare systems during his next mandate as head of WHO Europe.