Ukraine health care attacks rose by 20% in 2025

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Reported by: Ntiamoah Bernice Mantebea

February 24, 2026.

As Ukraine marks five years of full-scale war, its people faced the most attacks on their health care last year, nearly 20% more than in 2024.

Since the war began on February 24, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded at least 2,881 attacks on Ukraine's health care. These hit health workers, hospitals, ambulances, and medical storage sites.

Health services face huge strain on two fronts: direct hits on medical sites, and knock-on effects from attacks on everyday infrastructure like power plants. These disruptions have badly hurt people's health. A WHO survey from December 2025 found that 59% of people in war-front areas rate their health as poor or very poor, compared to 47% in safer zones.

"After four years of war, health needs are increasing, but many people are unable to get the care they need, in part because hospitals and clinics are routinely attacked," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "WHO is working alongside Ukraine's dedicated health workers to keep hospitals supplied with the means to stay warm, and the medicines people rely on the most. Ultimately, the best medicine is peace.”

In 2025, WHO helped 1.9 million people across Ukraine with direct care, medical supplies, patient referrals, and training, focusing on front lines and hard-to-reach spots.

"Four years of war has created a serious health crisis in Ukraine," said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. "Mental health needs are staggering: 72% of people surveyed experienced anxiety or depression in the past year, yet only one in five sought help. Cardiovascular disease is surging, with one in four Ukrainians experiencing dangerously high blood pressure. And 8 out of 10 people report they can’t access the medicines they need. This is not abstract; it's a heart patient who can't find blood pressure medication, an amputee waiting months for a prosthetic, a teenager too afraid to leave the house. Ukraine's health system needs our sustained support.”