HIGHLIGHTS
• In November 2024, the war in Ukraine reached its 1,000th day, marked by a surge in airstrikes which impacted hospitals, residential dwellings, and vital energy infrastructure. The human impact of the war is pronounced, resulting in at least 165 civilians killed and 887 injured in November alone. While the number of reported casualties was lower than in the previous month, it remains significantly higher in comparison with November 2023. Health Cluster partners continued to complement the efforts of first responders and local health authorities, reaching over 9,000 persons with emergency health assistance since the escalation of attacks in December 2023.
• The Health Cluster team, through the WHO Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care (SSA), has verified 2,184 attacks on health since the war’s 2022 escalation, resulting in 204 deaths and 696 injuries of health workers and patients. According to the latest HeRams Ukraine Status Update Report October 2024, 1,837 attacks impacted health facilities, with 832 being fully or partially damaged. 96% of health facilities in Ukraine remain partially operational. The increase in attacks on health care, fit the larger pattern of the intensification of hostilities, where in November, in one day more than 180 drones were launched impacting 17 regions.
• Amid the harsh onset of winter, intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and health facilities, has exacerbated the strain on health services. Vulnerable communities, particularly those near the front lines, are now facing heightened health risks and severe disruptions to essential services, compounding the challenges of an already dire humanitarian situation. As part of the health winter response, Health Cluster partners have provided some 56 health facilities in front line communities with heating systems, boilers, fuel, generators.
• Hostilities continued to intensify in Donetska and Kharkivska regions, disrupting humanitarian operations and access to basic services. On 1st and 22nd November, authorities opened new transit sites to facilitate evacuation efforts. Health Cluster coordination teams assessed the capacity of these sites for medical screening, service delivery, and mental health support. Since late August 2024, Health Cluster partners and local health authorities coordinated the support of essential lifesaving health care and mental health services at transit centers, reaching 5,000 people.