MSF statement on Agenda item 14.1 WHO’s work in health emergencies
79th World Health Assembly, May 2026
Ten years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2286, condemning attacks on health care in armed conflict, attacks continue and have increased, with less respect for international laws. These attacks have massive, direct, long-term consequences for patients and medical personnel, worldwide, like in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, DRC.
MSF reminds Member States of their responsibility to protect and ensure respect and provision of health care and to safeguard medical impartiality and neutrality of healthcare in all circumstances, and use their influence to ensure compliance by all parties to conflicts. Therefore, a strong WHO emergency response capacity remains essential, including its role in coordinating responses with diverse medical and humanitarian actors in the field.
