［Global Health & Nursing］ICN Calls for Urgent Protection of Nurses in War Zones: A Global Health Crisis
📌 #NursesforPeace Campaign
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has released an updated policy statement on health care in conflict zones, emphasizing the urgent need to protect nurses and healthcare workers.
This statement highlights the devastating impact of ongoing wars on global health systems, the increased threats faced by medical professionals, and the importance of upholding international humanitarian laws to safeguard healthcare services in war-torn areas.
Nurses on the Frontlines of War and Conflict
In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming rise in armed conflicts, leading to the collapse of healthcare systems, shortages of medical personnel, and increased threats to healthcare workers.
Despite these challenges, nurses continue to provide emergency care, prevent disease outbreaks, and offer critical medical support to victims of violence and displacement.
To support and protect these frontline healthcare workers, ICN has updated its policy statement:
📌 "Health Care in Conflict: The Nursing Perspective", reinforcing:
✔ Protection of nurses and healthcare workers
✔ The urgent need for compliance with international humanitarian law
✔ Global calls for sustainable peace in conflict regions
Ongoing Global Conflicts & the Healthcare Crisis
🛑 Ukraine War (2022–Present)
- Most affected areas: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia
- Medical crisis: Hospitals destroyed, medicine shortages, lack of healthcare personnel
- Role of nurses: Emergency trauma care, rehabilitation for war victims
🛑 Israel-Palestine Conflict (2023–Present)
- Most affected areas: Gaza Strip, West Bank
- Medical crisis: Hospital bombings, lack of medical supplies, power and water shortages
- Role of nurses: Treating wounded civilians, maternal and newborn care, infectious disease control
🛑 Sudan Civil War (2023–Present)
- Most affected areas: Khartoum, Darfur region
- Medical crisis: Attacks on medical staff, hospital closures, vaccine & medicine shortages
- Role of nurses: Emergency surgical care, epidemic response, refugee health support
📌 Other Conflict Zones: Yemen, Syria, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo – where nurses continue to risk their lives to care for the injured and displaced.
ICN CEO Howard Catton’s Statement
📢 Howard Catton, ICN CEO
"As armed conflicts escalate worldwide, ICN strongly reinforces the urgent call for the protection of nurses and healthcare workers.
Governments and all parties involved in armed conflicts must uphold international humanitarian law to safeguard healthcare systems and professionals."
"Attacks on hospitals, healthcare workers, and patients are violations of fundamental human rights that undermine the very foundation of global health security."
✔ ICN fully supports the "Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition" 2023 report, which calls for:
✔ Immediate action to protect medical staff and facilities
✔ Sustainable peace efforts in Ukraine and other war-affected regions
What is International Humanitarian Law (IHL)?
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) protects civilians, medical personnel, and humanitarian workers during armed conflicts.
It is based on the Geneva Conventions, which define attacks on healthcare as war crimes.
📌 Key principles of IHL:
✔ Protection of healthcare workers – Medical personnel must not be targeted
✔ Right to medical treatment – All wounded individuals, regardless of their side in the conflict, have a right to care
✔ Preservation of hospitals & medical supplies – Healthcare facilities must not be attacked or misused
However, these fundamental principles are increasingly violated in modern warfare, putting nurses and doctors at extreme risk.
#NursesforPeace Campaign – Honoring Nurses on the Frontlines in Ukraine
📢 Tetyana Chernyshenko, President of the Nursing Association of Ukraine
"In this ongoing brutal war, nowhere is safe for nurses.
In the hardest-hit areas—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—hospitals and pharmacies no longer exist, yet nurses continue to provide care."
"Many lives have been lost, and thousands of survivors require amputations, trauma care, and long-term rehabilitation."
✔ Despite the war, Ukraine is still training new nurses and strengthening emergency healthcare capacity
✔ Ukraine expresses deep gratitude to ICN and the global nursing community for their unwavering support
✔ Most urgent needs: Continued medical education and mental health support for nurses
"To all nurses around the world,
we ask for your solidarity through ICN to support the psychological and emotional recovery of nurses who witness trauma every day."
"No matter how difficult life is in our country right now,
we believe that democracy will prevail, and we dream of a peaceful Ukraine."
ICN’s Humanitarian Fund & #NursesforPeace – How You Can Help
📌 ICN operates the "Humanitarian Fund" and #NursesforPeace campaign, enabling nurses and healthcare professionals worldwide to contribute meaningful support.
📌 For more information & to get involved:
🔗 Visit ICN’s Official Website
Conclusion: Nurses as Peacemakers in a World of Conflict
✔ As wars continue, nurses remain on the frontlines, risking their lives to provide care
✔ ICN urges governments to protect healthcare workers & uphold international humanitarian law
✔ Attacks on hospitals and medical staff must be condemned as war crimes
✔ Beyond physical treatment, nurses play a crucial role in rebuilding war-torn societies
💡 How can the global nursing community support those working in conflict zones?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
References & Further Reading
This article is based on official statements and reports from the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
For the original ICN statement on health care in conflict, please refer to the official ICN website:
🔗 ICN Issues Updated Statement on Health Care in Conflict – ICN Official News
✔ For more global nursing updates, visit ICN News
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