he International Child Health Group (ICHG) condemns in the strongest terms the recent strike on Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine. As the largest children's hospital in the country, Okhmatdyt plays a crucial role in providing essential medical care to Ukraine's youngest and most vulnerable population. Such attacks on healthcare facilities, especially those serving children, are severe violations of international humanitarian law and are utterly unacceptable.
We echo the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in expressing our profound concern and sadness over this tragic event. Hospitals must be safe havens, not targets. We call on all parties involved to respect and protect medical facilities and personnel, ensuring that children receive the care they need without fear of violence.
The ICHG stands in solidarity with the healthcare workers in Ukraine and urges the international community to take decisive action to prevent such atrocities and to hold accountable those responsible. We advocate for immediate and unfettered access to humanitarian aid to support the affected children and their families.