Open letter by Turkish Medical Association: War is a public health problem

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The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has addressed an open letter to the World Medical Association (WMA) and Standing Committee of European Doctors amid the ongoing war in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of its neighboring country on February 24, 2022.

Signed by TTB Central Council Chair Prof. Şebnem Korur Fincancı, the letter has emphasized that war is a public health problem, saying, "War and armed clashes going on in Ukraine must immediately end".

"The TTB declares worldwide that it is ready for all forms of cooperation and solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine," the letter has read.

In its letter, the TTB has stated the following:

'119 attacks targeted health workers'

"We are following with great concern the process of armed conflict that started with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"As is the case in all wars, there are losses that cannot be definitively quantified while the greatest harm is suffered by vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly, individuals with health problems and disabilities. Unfortunately, healthcare services, facilities and personnel are also targeted despite being under the protection of international agreements.

"According to current data related to the situation in Ukraine released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 March 2022:

• There were 119 attacks that harmed healthcare services, facilities and personnel, 31 of which directly targeted these services,
• These attacks caused the death of 94 persons while 56 persons were wounded,
• 74 health facilities were seriously damaged, 24 of which are presently unusable,
• In healthcare facilities targeted, 26 patients receiving treatment and 55 health workers on duty were harmed in some way,
• 29 ambulances were targeted.

In addition to these, damage to medical equipment storages, unsustainability of cold chain, exhaustion of oxygen sources and cessation of medical equipment logistics and supply services in conflict environments are the factors that make the situation even worse and give rise to serious concerns about the sustainability of healthcare services that are already in fragile circumstances.

'We have stood against all wars'

"Throughout its history, the TTB has stood against all wars and cases of armed conflict and shared its firm position defending life and survival with the public as recognised and respected internationally. Besides, it is an historically honorable record that the TTB waged a struggle against the targeting of healthcare services, facilities and personnel in all wars and cases of armed conflict either in the region or elsewhere in the world.

"Maintaining this position, the TTB declares worldwide that it is ready for all forms of cooperation and solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine within the conceptual framework of 'Health Care in Danger' by the World Medical Association to help ensure the sustenance of healthcare services in cases of emergency and expresses its wishes of ending the war as a public health problem given its irremediable losses." (EMK/SD)