In the first three years after the pandemic started, at least 255 healthcare workers across the globe were attacked, 18 were killed, 147 were hurt, and 86 facilities were damaged, a new report published on Aug. 19 in Health Security said.
Data came from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition database, and included information from January 2020 to January 2023 about incidents related to COVID-19 health measures and interference with COVID-19 care.
More attacks occurred at the beginning of the pandemic and mostly included incidents that were “stigma-related” attacks on people working in the healthcare field, the data showed.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, violence targeting healthcare reportedly increased,” the researchers wrote. “Attacks against healthcare can severely hamper the public health response during a pandemic.”
Authors said their findings show how important it is to have public education campaigns, as well as coordination between healthcare organizations and police. The need to improve security is also key for medical facilities and healthcare workers.
In 2021, specifically, the incidents were against vaccination campaigns and other conflict-related incidents that interfered with caring for those with COVID-19.
“Due to underreporting, the data presented are a minimum estimate of the actual magnitude of violence,” the authors wrote. “The findings of this study emphasize the importance of public education campaigns, improved coordination between healthcare organizations and law enforcement, and the possible need to bolster the security of medical facilities and health workers.”
In related news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave tips on autumn vaccine suggestions for older adults and people with disabilities. Recently, respiratory illness activity has been low across the country, but COVID-19 activity is increasing in some areas. The CDC advised long-term care residents to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall. For those 12 and older, a single dose of the updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccines should be given at least two months after the last dose of any COVID-19 shot, the CDC advised.
