After learning of the tragedy by his staff on the ground, Dr.Zedoun Alzoubi, CEO of UOSSM-International, followed up with Dr Camilo Valderram, World Health Organization (WHO), Health Cluster Coordinator, in Gaziantep, Turkey, to brief him about the situation, as the UOSSM ambulatory dispatch system is supported by WHO.
This attack comes one day after the UN/ Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) convoy was hit with airstrikes leading to the death of the Director of the SARC and many other aid workers. It has been a deadly year for healthcare workers where over 115 were killed in 2016 alone, and over 700 medical personnel have been killed since the beginning of the crisis.
Dr. Khaula Sawah, CEO of UOSSM USA said, “This is a deplorable act against healthcare workers and medical facilities. Today, UOSSM lost four staff members and a nurse’s life is still hanging in the balance. Healthcare and humanitarian workers lives are supposed to be protected by International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Laws. These selfless people gave their lives to save the lives of others. Deliberate targeting of humanitarian and healthcare workers is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. We demand the international community to act swiftly to put an end to such atrocities. Too many lives have been lost.” Dr. Sawah added, “We send our heartfelt condolences to these selfless people and their families who sacrificed everything to save the lives of their fellow citizens. They truly are heroes.”
