The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed deep concern over increasing attacks on healthcare workers and facilities across Northwest Nigeria. The warning was issued by Roger Alhaddad, Head of the ICRC Sub-Delegation in Kano, during a media roundtable in the state capital.
Alhaddad said recent incidents in Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina show that doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and other health staff are being attacked while performing their duties. He added that health facilities in several communities have been looted, destroyed or abandoned, worsening the strain on healthcare delivery in the region.
The ICRC noted that the violence has far-reaching consequences, denying thousands of people essential medical care and further weakening an already fragile system. A 2024 report cited by the organisation found that 64 percent of health workers in Nigeria had experienced violence, while more than 1,000 attacks were recorded on health facilities, staff and ambulances in Gaza since October 2023.
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According to the organisation, its Healthcare in Danger initiative was created to address the global rise in attacks on medical personnel and infrastructure during armed conflicts and emergencies.
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