The long-term casualty of conflict: mental health – World Health Organization

Tal Hayun, Head Nurse of the Operation and Recovery Rooms at Soroka Medical Centre.

As hospitals and their staff strive to return to some sense of normalcy, many health professionals are reflecting on the importance of what they call health for peace. One of them is Tal Hayun, Head Nurse of the Operating and Recovery Rooms at Soroka Medical Centre.

Health for peace is one of the main goals. We've been working together for many years, and there are no differences when it comes to religion, sex or beliefs. All the staff were here working together on that Saturday, and every day since then we have worked together. Were here to save lives, thats the main goal. It doesnt matter what the problem is or what type of injury it is, we are here for everyone. We work together shoulder by shoulder.

Since the attacks on 7 October, WHO and the wider United Nations family, citing international humanitarian law, have been calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, along with urgent medical access to these individuals, some of whom have serious chronic conditions.

Additionally, WHO has been working with other humanitarian partners to gain access to civilians and health facilities in Gaza, where the vast majority of the civilian population has been impacted by the conflict that has claimed well over 11 000 lives and damaged or destroyed scores of health and other facilities.

WHO and United Nations partners have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and unimpeded, safe and sustained access to health and humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza. WHO also strongly condemns attacks on health facilities and health workers under any circumstances, emphasizing that health cannot be a target.

Health for all, regardless of who or where, or under what circumstances that is WHOs vision and guiding principle, underpinned by health as a human right, says Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

WHO is applying this principle at this tragic time, doing all we can to support people who are suffering on all sides, and the heroic health workers who press ahead with their selfless mission, often paying the ultimate price.

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The long-term casualty of conflict: mental health - World Health Organization